ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
CONGO RED (Colour Index No. 22120 (C32H22N6O6S2Na2)
SYNONYMS
Cotton red B, cotton red C, direct red C, direct red R, direct
red Y, congo, atlantic congo red, atul congo red, benzo congo
red, diacotton congo red, trisulfon congo red, vondacel red CL,
cotton red L.
CHARACTERISTICS
Brownishred powder. Disazo group of dyes.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces toxic fumes of nitrogen and sulphur.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This dye is highly toxic and a mutagen. Staff who are pregnant
should not handle this powder. It is an eye, skin and mucous
membrane irritant and can be absorbed through the skin and
mucous membranes into the body. Repeated or prolonged skin
contact may cause dermatitis. Prolonged eye exposure can cause
conjunctivitis.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Use a fume hood.
Highly toxic.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion of the powder.
Mutagen, do not allow staff who are pregnant to handle this
powder.
Keep away from heat.
Avoid skin or eye contact.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Use a fume hood to keep the level of exposure as low as
possible. Wear protective clothing. A long sleeved laboratory
coat or gown, rubber gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a
minimum standard.
TREATMENTS
Skin remove contaminated clothing and immediately 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 irritation persists or dermatitis
develops seek medical attention. Wash contaminated clothing
before reuse.
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 or pain persist seek
immediate medical attention.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If
breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration. Give oxygen
if necessary. Keep warm and allow to rest. Seek immediate
medical attention.
Ingestion if the victim is conscious wash the mouth thoroughly
with water and give a large amount of water to drink. Seek
immediate medical attention.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Leather gloves, heavy face shield and laboratory coat. Work from
behind a barricade (body shield or wall). Avoid unnecessary
heat, friction or impact.
SPILLS:
Absorb the liquid with paper or vermiculite. If it is a solid,
dampen then brush on to paper with great care. Place in a
plastic bag and remove outside for burning.
OR
Sponge up with water, followed by decontamination with 10%
ammonium ceric nitrate solution. 'Kill', by adding to a greater
stoichiometric amount of ammonium ceric nitrate solution with
agitation sufficient to provide suspension of all solids. Cool
the reaction. The organic azides and heavy metal azides are
explosive. Alkali and alkaline earth azides are not considered
explosives under normal laboratory conditions. Keep the stock of
azides very low. Stamp the date of receipt upon the package.
ENVIRONMENT:
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