ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
ROSE BENGAL (Colour Index No. 45440) (C20H2O5Cl4I4Na2)
SYNONYMS
Rose bengal extra, 3B, N extra, DY, B, 2B.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion of the powder.
Keep away from heat.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
Redbrown powder. Xanthene (iodofluorescein) 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
highly toxic and irritants. Handle with care.
TREATMENTS
Skin immediately remove contaminated clothing then wash the
affected area with soap or mild detergent and large amounts of
water until all evidence of the dye 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 dye 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
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 attention.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces toxic fumes of chlorides and iodides.
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:
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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