ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
PERMOUNT (FISHER)
(Also see Toluene)
Permount contains a pinene resin, toluene as a solvent and 2,6 ditertbutylpcreso as a plasticiser. It is used as a mounting fluid for permanent microscopical slide preparations.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
These precautions rela
te to the solvent, toluene, rather than to the pinene resin.
Mutagen do not allow staff who are pregnant to handle permount.
Use a fume hood.
Avoid skin and eye contact causes dermatitis.
Avoid inhalation of the vapour narcotic.
Keep away from heat, sparks or naked flames.
Do not store close to strong oxidants or metal alkalis.
CHARACTERISTICS
Yellow, viscous liquid with a benzenelike odour. Highly
flammable. The vapour is heavier than air and may travel a
considerable distance along the ground to a source of ignition
and flash back.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
All of the components cause irritation to skin, eyes and mucous
membranes. Pinene resin and toluene are central nervous system
depressants. Toluene is a narcotic and in extreme cases has
caused death. Pinene resin is toxic. Acute exposure to the eyes
of the vapour may cause profuse lacrimation, a splash in the eye
can cause irritation, burns and permanent corneal damage. Skin
contact may cause irritation, scaling, cracking and dermatitis.
Skin absorption can occur causing dizziness, rapid respiration,
vomiting, flushing, headache, drowsiness, hypotension, rapid
pulse and possible unconsciousness. Narcosis can occur at levels
which do not cause irritation when the fumes are inhaled. 100ppm
can produce hallucinations and changes in psychophysiology, 200
to 600ppm for prolonged periods causes fatigue, weakness,
confusion, headache, nausea, anorexia, bad taste, lassitude,
impaired coordination, parasthesias of the skin, hilarity,
euphoria, dizziness and dilated pupils. Extreme exposure may
produce death by paralysis of the respiratory system. Ingestion
causes similar but more rapid symptoms to appear.
TREATMENTS
Skin permount is a sticky substance and may require
application of the solvent for complete removal. Toluene is very
toxic so great care needs to be taken when using it for this
purpose. The resin is also soluble in xylene, which might prove
to be a safer substitute. Then 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 advice.
Permount is very difficult to remove from clothing.
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 medical
attention.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If
breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration. Keep warm and
at rest and seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion if the victim is conscious give two to four glasses
of water and induce vomiting by touching a finger to the back of
the throat. Seek immediate medical attention.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Permount is incompatible with:
Reducing agents violent reaction.
Acetic acid ignites when warm.
Carbon may explode when heated.
Organic matter explosive mixtures.
Phosphorus may be exploded by percussion.
Potassium permanganate ignition and possible explosion.
Potassium and ammonium sulphate explosive mixture, may explode
on contact.
Sulphur may explode from shock.
Zinc powder plus ammonium chloride or barium nitrate
spontaneous ignition.
Alkali metals forms explosive sodium hyponitrite.
Metallic powders violent or explosive reaction.
Ammonium nitrate explosive mixture.
Ammonium chloride violent reaction.
Chlorides violent reaction.
Also see Toluene for incompatibilities associated with its use.
Heating produces toxic oxides of carbon.
STORAGE
Store in a well ventilated, cool, dry atmosphere away from heat
or naked flames. Store away from reducing agents and
incompatible substances.
HANDLING
When coverslipping with permount use a fume hood that will keep
the levels of exposure below the recommended threshold limits,
ie. 100ppm NIOSH, 200ppm OSHA and TWA. Exposure above this level
requires the use of a respirator. Exposure at levels above
1,000ppm requires a selfcontained breathing apparatus. Wear
protective clothing. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown,
rubber gloves made of PVA or Viton, 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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