ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences

 


 

SODIUM IODATE (NaIO3)

SYNONYMS
None known.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion of the powder.
Keep away from heat.
Keep away from combustible substances.
Keep away from finely divided metals.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
White crystals.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Contact with a combustible material can cause fire. It is an eye and respiratory tract irritant and is mildly toxic.
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 discomfort develops 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). If irritation persists seek medical attention.
Inhalation ­ remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. Keep warm and allow to rest. If irritation persists 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 iodine compounds. Sodium iodate can react vigorously with reducing materials and explosively with finely divided metals, carbon, phosphorus, sulphur, metal hydrides, many sulphides, thiocyanates, cyanides and impure manganese dioxide.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat, combustible and incompatible substances.
HANDLING
Wear protective clothing to avoid eye contact or inhalation. 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.
SPILLS:
Solid: collect in a beaker, dissolve in a large amount of water. Add soda ash, mix and neutralise with 6M hydrochloric acid and discharge to sewer with large excess of water.
Solution: cover with soda ash, mix and scoop into a beaker of water. Neutralise with 6M hydrochloric acid and discharge to sewer with a large excess of water. If a spill contains a fluoride, add slaked lime in addition to the above treatment.
PACKAGE LOTS:
Add slowly to a large container of water. Stir in a slight excess of soda ash. If fluoride is present add slaked lime. Let stand for 24 hours. Decant or siphon into another container and neutralise with 6M hydrochloric acid. Discharge to sewer with a large excess of water. The sludge may be added to land fill.
ENVIRONMENT:

 


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