ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
ETHYLENEDIAMINETETRAACETICACID ((HOOCH2)2N(CH2COOH)2)
SYNONYMS
EDTA.
CHARACTERISTICS
Colourless crystals to white crystalline powder.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Mineral acids will cause the insoluble free acid to precipitate.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
EDTA is generally regarded as nonhazardous and it is permitted
to be used as a food additive. However, if swallowed it may
cause kidney damage.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid ingestion.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Wear protective clothing. A long sleeved laboratory coat or
gown, rubber gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a minimum
standard.
TREATMENTS
Skin immediately remove contaminated clothing and 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). 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 ceased apply artificial respiration. Keep warm and
allow to rest. If irritation persists or develops seek medical
attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give
water to drink. Induce vomiting by touching a finger to the back
of the throat.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, self contained breathing apparatus or all purpose
canister respirator, and laboratory coat.
SPILLS:
Eliminate all sources of ignition. Turn on the fume hood if the
acid is volatile. Cover the spill on bench or floor, with an
excess of sodium bicarbonate and vermiculite. Mix and scoop into
a large beaker of water. When the reaction is complete discharge
to the sewer with a large excess of water. Wash the spill site
with soap solution.
PACKAGE LOTS: Either
1 Pour on to an excess of sodium bicarbonate. Mix and scoop into
a bucket. Dump into a 200 litre drum and fill with water. After
24 hours slowly discharge to sewer with a large excess of water.
OR
2 Pour on to vermiculite in an open incinerator. Cover with
scrap wood and paper. Pour waste alcohol over all and ignite
with a torch or fuse. Stay on the upwind side.
OR
3 Dissolve in a flammable solvent such as waste alcohol. Spray
into an incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber.
ENVIRONMENT:
BACK to the
top of the Glossary Contents List
BACK to the top of the
Chemical Contents List