ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences

 


 

INDIGO CARMINE Colour Index No. 73015 (C16H8N2O8S2Na2)

SYNONYMS
Indigotine 1, indogtine 1a, acid blue 74, aniline carmine powder, carmine blue, food blue 1, natural blue 2, indigo extract.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Use a fume hood.
Mutagen ­ should not be handled by staff who are pregnant.
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion of the powder.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
Dark blue powder. Anthraquinone group of dyes.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
There is no data available on the effects of this dye on humans. However, tests on laboratory animals have shown that the dye is a mutagen and highly toxic.
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 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 if necessary. Keep warm and allow to rest. If discomfort persists seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion ­ wash out 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 advice.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces toxic fumes of nitrogen, sulphur and sodium. Can have a vigorous reaction with strong oxidants.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat and strong oxidants.
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.
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 flooor, 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:

 


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