ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
NAPHTHALENE (C10H8)
SYNONYMS
None known.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Use a fume hood if handling large quantities.
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation of the vapour.
Avoid ingestion.
Keep away from heat or naked flames.
Keep away from oxidising materials.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
White crystals or crystalline marbles with an aromatic odour.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This substance is an eye irritant and is moderately toxic when
ingested or the vapour is inhaled. The recommended threshold
limit for vapour inhalation is 10ppm. It can be absorbed through
the skin in doses large enough to cause moderate toxicity. It
readily ignites in the presence of a naked flame.
TREATMENTS
Skin 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 signs of toxicity develop seek medical
advice.
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 persists seek
immediate medical attention.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. Keep
warm and allow to rest. In severe cases seek medical attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give
water to drink. Seek immediate medical advice.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Can react violently with some oxidising materials. It readily
ignites in the presence of a naked flame. Heating produces
carbon dioxide.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away all sources of ignition.
HANDLING
Use a fume hood if handling large quantities. Use a well
ventilated area that will keep the level of exposure below the
recommended threshold limit, ie. 10ppm. If exposure is expected
to exceed this limit then a respirator is recommended. 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, face shield and laboratory coat. Have an all
purpose canister respirator available.
SPILLS:
A gas leak: keep the concentration of the gas below the
explosive mixture range by forced ventilation. Remove the tank
to an open area and allow dissipation to the atmosphere. Attempt
to cap the valve outlet and return the tank to the supplier.
A liquid: absorb on paper. Evaporate in an iron pan in a flame
proof fume hood then burn the paper.
A solid: sweep on to paper and place in an iron pan in a fume
hood. Burn the paper and compound.
PACKAGE LOTS:
A gas leak: pipe the gas into an incinerator or lower into a pit
and allow to burn.
A liquid: atomise into an incinerator. Combustion may be
improved by mixing with a more flammable solvent.
A solid: make up packages in paper or other flammable material.
Burn in the incinerator. Or the solid may be dissolved in a
flammable solvent and sprayed into a fire chamber.
ENVIRONMENT:
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