Product Identification
Read – Safety Data Sheet for Ethidium Bromide!
Hazards Identification
- Acute toxicity: Ethidium bromide is a moderate to high toxicity material that can cause severe skin and eye irritation.
- Chronic toxicity: Long-term exposure to Ethidium bromide may cause genetic mutations and cancer.
- Carcinogenicity: Ethidium bromide is considered a potential carcinogen.
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration.
- Skin contact: In case of contact, immediately flush the skin with plenty of water.
- Eye contact: In case of contact, immediately flush your eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
- Ingestion: If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Rinse your mouth and drink plenty of water.
- Fire-Fighting Measures:
- Flash point: Not applicable.
- Flammable limits: Not applicable.
- Fire extinguishing media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemicals or carbon dioxide.
Accidental Release Measures
- Personal precautions: Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing.
- Environmental precautions: Prevent products from entering drains.
- Methods for cleaning up: Collect spillage and remove it to a safe place.
Handling & Storage
- Handling: Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing.
- Storage: Store in a cool, dry place.
Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
- Respiratory protection: Not usually required.
- Hand protection: Wear appropriate gloves to prevent skin contact.
- Eye protection: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles.
- Skin & body protection: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin contact.
Physical & Chemical Properties
- Appearance: Orange-red crystals.
- Melting point: Not available.
- Boiling point: Not available.
- Solubility: Soluble in water, ethanol, & acetic acid.
- Vapor pressure: Not available.
- pH: Not available.
Stability & Reactivity
- Stability: Stable under normal conditions.
- Hazardous reactions: None knew.
- Hazardous decomposition products: None knew.
A typical stain for the detection of DNA & RNA in gel electrophoresis is ethidium bromide, a fluorescent intercalating agent.
Conclusion
Ethidium bromide is a useful tool in gel electrophoresis, but it should be handled with care due to its toxicity and potential carcinogenic effects. Proper protective measures, such as wearing gloves and goggles, and avoiding skin and eye contact, should be taken when handling Ethidium bromide. In case of accidental exposure, appropriate first aid measures should be taken immediately. It should be stored in a cool and dry place. If you have any doubts or concerns, please consult a qualified professional. Always follow Ethidium Bromide SDS!