NILE BLUE (Colour Index No. 51180)
There are two dyes sold under this name:
(1) a dimethylaminophenol (C₂₀H₂₀N₃OCl)
(2) a diethylaminophenol [(C₂₀H₂₀N₃O)₂SO₄]

SYNONYMS
Nile blue sulphate, Nile blue A, Nilblau BX (FIAT).
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion of the powder.
Keep away from heat.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
Greenish­black powder. Quinone­imine group of dyes.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
There is insufficient data available on the toxic effects of this dye. However, other dyes in this group are known to be potential carcinogens, mutagens and highly toxic. Handle with care. It is a skin, eye and respiratory tract irritant.
TREATMENTS
Skin ­ immediately remove contaminated clothing and 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 seek medical attention. Wash contaminated clothing before re­use.
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 medical attention.
Inhalation ­ remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration. Keep warm and allow to rest. If irritation persists or develops seek medical attention.
Ingestion ­ wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give water to drink. Seek immediate medical advice.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces toxic fumes of carbon, nitrogen and sulphur.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat.
HANDLING
Use a fume hood to minimise exposure to this substance. Wear protective clothing. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a minimum standard.
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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