ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
DIMETHYLSULPHOXIDE ((CH3)2SO)
SYNONYMS
Sulphinylbis(methane), methyl sulphoxide DMSO.
CHARACTERISTICS
Clear, colourless liquid.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces toxic fumes of formaldehyde and sulphur.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
A teratogen and an allergen which freely penetrates the skin and
can enhance absorption of other chemicals which may be present.
It is an irritant to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. Avoid
contact with the chemical. Do not breathe the vapours. It can
cause foetal damage and should never be handled by pregnant
women. Acute exposure to the eyes will cause redness and pain
with possible ocular damage. Skin contact, inhalation or
ingestion can cause burning, itching, scaling, nausea, vomiting,
chills and cramps.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Teratogen do not allow staff who are pregnant to handle this
chemical.
Avoid skin contact can cause an allergic response.
Avoid eye contact.
Avoid inhalation of the vapour.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Use a fume hood to avoid exposure to the vapours. Wear
protective clothing to avoid skin contact. A long sleeved
laboratory coat or gown, rubber gloves, safety goggles and a
face mask as a minimum standard. If a fume hood is not available
use a respirator.
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 chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). If irritation or pain persist 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 pain persist seek
medical attention.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If
breathing has stopped apply artificial respiration. Keep warm
and allow to rest. Seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion wash the mouth thoroughly with water, do not induce
vomiting but seek immediate medical attention.
STORAGE
This chemical is very hygroscopic. Keep the lid tightly sealed.
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, self contained breathing apparatus and laboratory
coat.
SPILLS:
Eliminate all sources of ignition. Absorb on paper towels or
with vermiculite. Place on an iron, glass or plastic dish in a
fume hood. Allow to evaporate. burn the paper or vermiculite.
Wash the site with a soapy solution.
PACKAGE LOTS: Either
1 Pour on to vermiculite, sodium bicarbonate or sand-soda ash
mixture (90/10). If a fluoride is present, add slaked lime to
the mixture. Mix and shovel into paper boxes. place in an open
incinerator, cover with scrap wood and paper then ignite with a
torch or fuse. Stay on the upwind side.
OR
2 Dissolve in a flammable solvent. Spray into a fire box of an
incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber.
ENVIRONMENT:
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