ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
THYMOL [(CH3)2CHC6H3(CH3)OH]
SYNONYMS
None known.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin contact with the solid.
Avoid eye contact with the vapour or the solid.
Avoid inhalation of the vapour.
Avoid ingestion.
Keep away from heat.
Keep away from oxidising materials.
Keep well sealed and protect from light.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
Colourless crystals with an aromatic odour.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This substance is an irritant to the eyes, skin, respiratory
tract an to the gastrointestinal tract. Prolonged contact with
the skin can cause burning.
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 contact was prolonged swab the
area with glycerol and 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. In
severe cases seek medical attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth with water and give plenty of
water or milk to drink. If irritation or discomfort persists
seek immediate medical attention.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Thymol can react violently with oxidising materials. Heating
produces toxic products of carbon.
STORAGE
Store in a tightly sealed container in the dark, in a cool, dry
atmosphere away from heat and incompatible materials.
HANDLING
Wear protective clothing to any contact with this substance. A
long sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber gloves, 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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