ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
ERIOCHROME BLACK T (Colour Index No.14645) (C20H12N3O7SNa)
SYNONYMS
Chromagen black ETOO, superchrome black T, mordant black 11,
eriochrome black, naphthalene sulphonic acid (monosodium salt).
CHARACTERISTICS
Black powder with a slight metallic sheen. Monoazo group of
dyes.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces toxic fumes of nitrogen and sulphur.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
There is insufficient data available on the toxic effects of
this substance on humans. Because of its chemical structure this
substance is deemed to be a skin and eye irritant. Other dyes in
this group are known to be carcinogenic and highly toxic. Handle
with care.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion of the powder.
Keep away from heat.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Although little is known about the affects of this dye upon
humans, it is wise to use precautions when handling the dye. Use
a fume hood. 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). 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 persists seek
immediate medical attention.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. Keep
warm and allow to rest. If irritation or pain persist seek
medical attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give
two to four glasses of water to drink. Induce vomiting by
touching a finger to the back of the throat. If discomfort
persists seek medical advice.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Butyl rubber gloves, laboratory coat and self contained
breathing apparatus.
SPILLS:
On skin and clothing: wash skin with strong soap solution
immediately. Rinse thoroughly. Contaminated clothing should be
removed, dried and washed with strong soap solution or
destroyed. It may be necessary to destroy shoes by burning.
Small spills: absorb liquid on paper towels. Brush solids on to
paper. Place in an iron pan and allow evaporation in a fume
hood. Add crumpled paper and burn. Wash spill site with a strong
soap solution.
Large spills: cover with sand and soda ash mixture (90/10). Mix
and shovel into a cardboard box. Pack with a large excess of
crumpled paper. Burn in an open pit or incinerator equipped with
an afterburner and scrubber.
PACKAGE LOTS: Either
1 Pour or sift on to a thick layer of sand and soda ash mixture
(90/10). Mix, and shovel into a heavy paper box with much paper
packaging. Burn in an incinerator. The fire may be augmented
with scrap wood. Stay on the upwind side.
OR
2 Dissolve in a flammable solvent and spray into the firebox of
an incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber.
ENVIRONMENT:
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