ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
THIOGLYCOLLIC ACID (HSCH2COOH)
SYNONYMS
Mercaptoacetic acid, 2thiolethanoic acid.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion.
Keep away from heat.
Keep the container tightly sealed, the vapour is toxic.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
Liquid with a strong, unpleasant odour.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Thioglycollic acid is very toxic and the fumes are toxic. It is
a corrosive substance and will cause burns to skin and eyes. It
is an irritant to the respiratory tract and can cause damage to
the central nervous system. Inhalation or ingestion can cause
dizziness, headache and paralysis of the respiratory system with
resultant death.
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 burns develop or pain 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. Seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give
water to drink. Do not induce vomiting but give at least 1 (one)
ounce of Milk of Magnesia in an equal amount of water, or the
whites of 3 (three) eggs. Seek immediate medical attention.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces the toxic fumes of hydrogen sulphide.
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 and laboratory
coat.
SPILLS:
Eliminate all sources of ignition. Cover with calcium
hypochlorite and mix. Scoop into a large beaker. After 12 hours,
neutralise using litmus as an indicator. Discharge to the sewer
with a large excess of water. Wash the site of the spill with a
strong soap solution to which has been added some hypochlorite.
PACKAGE LOTS: Either
1 As for spills
OR
2 Dissolve in waste alcohol or other flammable solvent. Burn in
an incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber to
neutralise the sulphur dioxide.
ENVIRONMENT:
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