ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
SODIUM DITHIONITE (Na2S204)
SYNONYMS
Sodium hydrosulphite, sodium hyposulphite.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact. Avoid inhalation or ingestion.
Keep away from heat.
Keep away from moisture.
Keep the container tightly closed.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
White to off white crystals with a slight sulphur dioxide odour.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Sodium dithionite is mildly toxic and a skin, eye and
respiratory tract irritant. This substance although not
flammable has been known to spontaneously combust.
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
advice. 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 medical advice.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Sodium dithionite is incompatible with acids, oxidising agents
and small amounts of water. Heating produces the toxic fumes of
sulphur dioxide.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from moisture and
incompatible substances.
HANDLING
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, safety glasses and laboratory coat. Work in a
fume hood or wear a respirator.
SPILLS:
Gas leak: eliminate all sources of ignition. If the valve is
leaking because it cannot be closed, the gas can be bubbled
through a calcium hypochlorite solution. Be sure to include a
trap in the line to prevent the solution being sucked back into
the cylinder.
Solid: cover the spill with soda ash or sodium bicarbonate. Mix
and spray with water. If effervescent wait until the reaction is
complete. Scoop into a large beaker and cautiously add an equal
volume of calcium hypochlorite (the reaction may be vigorous).
Add more water, stir and allow to stand for one hour. Dilute and
neutralise the oxidised solution and discharge to sewer with a
large excess of water.
PACKAGE LOTS:
If a gas, bubble into a soda ash solution. if a solid, mix with
an equal volume of soda and water to form a slurry, use a large
container. In either case add calcium hypochlorite. Add more
water if necessary and allow to stand for two hours. Neutralise
the oxidised solution then discharge to the sewer with a large
excess of water.
ENVIRONMENT:
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