ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences

 


 

NAPHTHOL (C10H7OH)

SYNONYMS
1­naphthol, 2­naphthol.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Store in the dark.
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation of the vapour.
Avoid ingestion.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
White to light pink crystals or crystalline powder with a phenolic odour.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This substance is a skin and eye irritant and is of moderate toxicity when it is ingested or the vapour is inhaled. Threshold limits for inhalation have not been established.
TREATMENTS
Skin ­ immediately wash the affected area with large amounts of water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). If exposure was prolonged swab the affected area with glycerol and 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). Seek immediate medical attention.
Inhalation ­ remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. Keep warm and allow to rest. If discomfort persists seek medical advice.
Ingestion ­ wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give water or milk to drink. Seek medical attention.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces toxic fumes of carbon. Darkens in the presence of light.
STORAGE
Store in the dark in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry atmosphere.
HANDLING
Wear protective clothing to avoid skin and eye contact, inhalation of the vapour or ingestion. Use a fume hood if available or a well ventilated room. Wear 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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