SafetyNet #44 - Alternatives to Chromic/Sulfuric Acid for Cleaning Laboratory Glassware
Regulations greatly restrict the disposal of chromic/sulfuric acid cleaning solutions due to their heavy metal content and low pH. Other disposal methods are not feasible because of the small amounts generated by laboratory operations.
EH&S encourages the use of substitutes for chromic/sulfuric acid. We recommend that users choose an alternative that:
- Removes desired contaminants from glassware.
- Is safe to handle, i.e., noncorrosive and nonirritating to skin and eyes.
- Does not qualify as a hazardous waste after use due to corrosivity (ph <2, ph >12.5) or heavy metals content.
- Is compatible with the containment device. Many concentrated acids (e.g., 60 percent sulfuric acid) will cause rapid destruction of high?density polyethylene (Nalgene®). Check with the manufacturer for chemical resistance information.
Presented here are several commercially?available substitutes used successfully on campus. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) are required for each. Request an MSDS from the vendor supplying the material.
When mixing any of the solutions listed below, remember:
- Reactions may give off considerable heat.
- Mix slowly in a fume hood.
- Wear goggles or a face shield.
- Cool solutions completely before capping the container.
Products Available from Primary Source Agreement Vendors
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Fisher Scientific, 2761 Walnut Ave., Tustin, CA., 92780, Phone: (800) 766-7000 |
Products Available from Secondary Source Agreement Vendors
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VWR Scientific Products, P.O. Box 7900, San Francisco, CA, 94120, Phone (800) 325-3010 or (800) 932-5000 |
Additional Product Resources:
If the above products do not meet your needs, the following products may be ordered from the distributors listed below:
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Aldrich Chemical Co., P.O. Box 14508, St Louis, MO 63178, Phone: (800) 325-3010
International Products Corp., P.O. Box 70, Burlington, NJ 08016-0070, Phone: (609) 386-8770 www.ipcol.com Micro 90® Catalog No. 9031 Applications: Removes trace organics and metals from glassware for fluorimetry analysis, atomic absorption, and high performance liquid chromatography.
ESPI, 1050 Benson Way, Ashland, OR 97520, Phone: (800) 638-2581 www.espi-metals.com DeContam® Catalog No. KC85D Applications: Removes proteinaceous material from glassware used in tissue culture and enzymological analysis. Non-ionic surfactant detergent, pH 10.
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Making Your Own Cleaner
The following product can be made from common laboratory chemicals.
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Sodium (Potassium) Hydroxide1 in Alcohol
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- References
- Gordon and Ford. 1972. The Chemists' Companion: A Handbook of Practical Data, Techniques and References, pp 428?429. John Wiley & Sons.
For additional information, contact your EH&S Safety Advisor, EH&S at 752-1493 or ehsdesk@ucdavis.edu.
Reviewed/Revised 11/2006
DEO