ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
CARMINE (Colour Index No. 75470) (Natural substance)
SYNONYMS
Cochineal, carminic acid, natural red 4.
CHARACTERISTICS
Bright red powder.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces toxic fumes of carbon compounds.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This dye is an eye and respiratory tract irritant. It is of
relatively low toxicity but occasionally has been found to
harbour Salmonella cubana and cases of salmonellosis have been
reported after exposure to carmine. If ingested in large doses
carmine may pass into the milk of lactating mothers. The affect
on the infant has not been documented. Also turns the urine
greenish to bluish. Whilst carmine is not a flammable powder it
does support combustion.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion of the powder.
Keep away from heat or naked flames.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Wear protective clothing to avoid contact with this dye. A long
sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber gloves, safety goggles
and a face mask as a minimum standard.
TREATMENTS
Skin wash the affected area with soap or mild detergent and
large amounts of water until all evidence of the dye has been
removed (approximately 15 minutes). If any discomfort develops
seek medical advice.
Eyes immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of
water until all evidence of the dye has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). If irritation persists seek
immediate medical attention.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. Keep
warm and allow to rest. If irritation persists seek medical
attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give
water to drink. Seek medical advice.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, face shield and laboratory coat. Have an all
purpose canister respirator available.
SPILLS:
A gas leak - keep the concentration of the gas below the
explosive mixture range by forced ventilation. Remove the tank
to an open area and allow dissipation to the atmosphere. Attempt
to cap the valve outlet and return the tank to the supplier.
A liquid - absorb on paper. Evaporate in an iron pan in a flame
proof fume hood then burn the paper.
A solid - sweep on to paper and place in an iron pan in a fume
hood. Burn the paper and compound.
PACKAGE LOTS:
A gas - pipe the gas into an incinerator or lower into a pit and
allow to burn.
A liquid - atomise into an incinerator. Combustion may be
improved by mixing with a more flammable solvent.
A solid - make up packages in paper or other flammable material.
Burn in the incinerator. Or the solid may be dissolved in a
flammable solvent and sprayed into a fire chamber.
ENVIRONMENT
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