The following list of specific chemical hazards comes from the Staff and Student Chemical Safety Guidelines for polymer chemistry work at the MIT Media Laboratory’s Holographic Imaging Laboratory. It appears below unaltered.

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2.4 Specific Chemical Hazard

Below is a list of the chemicals used in polymer chemistry. Also listed are the associated hazards of each chemical.

Oil

Silicone Oil – Do not inhale or swallow. Avoid contact with skin or eyes.

Surfactants

Tween 20 – Do not inhale or swallow. Avoid contact with skin or eyes.

Diacid Chlorides

Sebacoyl Chloride – A component of polymers. Corrosive — causes burns. Irritating to eyes and respiratory system. Lachrymator. Moisture sensitive.

Adipoyl Chloride – A component of polymers. Corrosive — causes burns. Irritating to eyes and respiratory system. Lachrymator. Reacts violently with water.

Diamnines

Hexamethyldiamine – Polymer Building block. Corrosive — causes burns. Harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed. Target organ: Liver.

Buffers

Sodium Hydrogencarbonate – Moisture sensitive — keep tightly closed. Avoid eye and skin contact.

Sodium Carbonate – Irritant. Causes severe irritation. Do not breathe dust.

Solvents

Methanol – which should only be used under the fume hood. Avoid skin contact and vapors. Methanol is also very flammable keep away from open flame or high temperature.

Isopropanol – a concentrated rubbing alcohol is sometimes used in the lab. Avoid unprotected contact Isopropanol is also flammable.

Other Chemicals

Cyclohexane – Highly flammable. Harmful by inhalation or if swallowed. Irritating to eyes and respiratory system and skin. Target Organs: Lungs and central nervous system.