ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
GIEMSA STAIN
Giemsa stain is a mixture of azur A eosinate, azur B eosinate, methylene blue eosinate and methylene blue chloride dissolved in methyl alcohol with glycerol as a stabiliser.
CHARACTERISTICS
Dark greenishblack powder. Quinoneimine group of dyes.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces toxic fumes of nitrogen, sulphur and bromine
compounds.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
There is no data available on the effects of this compound dye
on humans. However, methylene blue is a mutagen, very toxic and
an irritant whilst eosin is an animal carcinogen and an eye and
skin irritant (see Methylene blue and Eosin, this Section).
Giemsa stain should therefore be handled with due care. The
powder is combustible and should not be handled close to heat or
a naked flame.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Use a fume hood when handling the powder.
Potential carcinogen.
Suspect mutagen the powder 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 then 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
of necessary. Keep warm and allow to rest. If irritation or
discomfort persist seek medical attention.
Ingestion wash 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.
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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