ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
GLUTARALDEHYDE (OHCC3H6CHO)
SYNONYMS
None known.
CHARACTERISTICS
Colourless liquid with a pungent odour.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Glutaraldehyde is incompatible with strong oxidising agents. The
liquid can polymerise and should not be stored for longer than
six months.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Toxic and a skin, eye and mucous membrane irritant. It can be
absorbed into the body by inhalation of the vapour, ingestion of
the liquid and through the skin. It affects the nervous system
and serious cases have resulted in unconsciousness. It may cause
allergic skin reactions. Acute exposure to the eyes causes
redness and pain. Skin contact causes localised redness and may
cause dizziness and dullness. Inhalation of the vapour can cause
coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness and dullness. Ingestion
may cause abdominal pain and nausea.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact, can cause dermatitis.
Avoid inhalation of the vapour.
Keep away from oxidising agents.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Use a fume hood to keep the exposure level below the recommended
threshold limit, i.e. 0.2 ppm ACGIH 1979. In the UK the maximum
exposure level (MEL) was reduced to 0.05 ppm early in 2000. If
exposure is expected to be greater than the recommended
threshold then a respirator should be used. 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.
TREATMENTS
Skin remove contaminated clothing and shoes, immediately wash
the affected area with large amounts of water until all evidence
of the chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). If
irritation or pain persists or dermatitis develops seek medical
attention.
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
immediate medical attention.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If
the patient has stopped breathing apply artificial respiration.
Keep warm and allow to rest. Seek medical advice.
Ingestion rinse the mouth with water, give plenty of water to
drink and seek immediate medical attention.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere in the dark away from oxidising
agents. Do not store for longer than six months.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, self contained breathing apparatus and laboratory
coat.
SPILLS:
Eliminate all sources of ignition and flammables.
Small: absorb on a paper towel. Evaporate in fume hood and burn
the paper.
Large: cover with sodium bisulphite. Add a small amount of water
and mix. Scoop into a large beaker. Discharge to sewer with a
large excess of water. Wash the spill site with a soapy
solution.
PACKAGE LOTS: Either
1 Absorb on vermiculite. Burn in an open pit or open
incinerator.
2 Dissolve in a flammable solvent (such as acetone or benzene).
Spray into the fire box of an incinerator equipped with an
afterburner.
ENVIRONMENT:
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