ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
CRYSTAL VIOLET Colour Index No. 42555 (C25H30N3Cl)
SYNONYMS
Gentian violet, methyl violet 10B, violet C, violet G, violet
7B, hexamethyl violet, aniline violet, crystal violet chloride,
hexamethyl pararosaniline chloride, oxiuran, vermicid,
methylrosaniline chloride, bismuth violet, gentiaverim, basic
violet 3.
CHARACTERISTICS
Green powder or greenish, glistening pieces with metallic lustre.
Triaminotriarylmethane group of dyes.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces toxic fumes of chlorine gas and toxic oxides of
nitrogen and carbon. Combustible powder keep away from heat or
naked flames.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This substance is a mutagen and should not be handled by staff
who are pregnant. It is very toxic by inhalation or ingestion.
It is an irritant. Acute exposure to the skin may cause
irritation and redness. Prolonged exposure may cause dermatitis.
Acute exposure to the eyes may cause lacrimation and irritation.
Inhalation of the dust may cause irritation, coughing, headache
and in severe cases sufficient amounts of the dye may be
absorbed to cause dyspnoea, methaemoglobinaemia and cyanosis.
Ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting, methaemoglobinaemia with
cyanosis and dyspnoea, and kidney irritation. Large doses may
cause cardiovascular collapse and death from respiratory
failure.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Mutagen should not be handled by staff who are pregnant.
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion of the powder.
Keep away from heat.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Use a fume hood to keep the level of exposure to a minimum. 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 chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). If irritation or discomfort 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 advice.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give
two to four glasses of water to drink. If the victim is
conscious induce vomiting by touching a finger to the back of
the throat. Seek immediate medical attention.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat, and oxidising
materials.
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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