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ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
AMMONIACAL SOLUTIONS
Ammoniacal silver solutions used for reticulin and neurological techniques may form explosive silver compounds particularly if left to dry.9 Silvered glassware is especially dangerous. To minimise this risk prepare ammoniacal solutions immediately before use, in clean glassware. Discard or inactivate used solutions by adding an excess of dilute hydrochloric acid, or sodium chloride which will cause precipitation. Refrigeration of solutions does not prevent formation of explosive compounds.
The storage of silver solutions in plastic jars offers greater safety. Glass containers can be wrapped with black paper and bound with tape to lessen the effects of an explosion should this occur.
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