[Histonet] Osmium Tetroxide Protocol

[Smith, Allen]

Osmium tetroxide is a gas, usually sold dissolved in water.  It has a nasty
tendency to evaporate from the solution.  It reacts instantly with amino
alcohols (cell membranes) and with cytokeratins (skin and cornea) to leave
black deposits of osmium metal.  Deposits in the cornea interfere with
vision for many weeks.  You must use it in a fume hood that draws really
well.  In one of my postdoctoral positions we didn't trust our fume hood and
used osmium tetroxide outdoors only on days when the wind speed was 15 mph
or greater.  One, of course, was careful to stay upwind of one's work!
Goggles or wrap-around safety glasses are also essential in case the #@$*
stuff spatters.

Allen A. Smith, Ph.D.
Professor of Anatomy
Barry University
School of Graduate Medical Sciences
            Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
Miami Shores, Florida


-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of
mprice26 <@t> juno.com
Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2004 3:07 PM
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] Osmium Tetroxide Protocol


Hi Histonetters,

When handling Osmium Tetroxide, is a chemical fume gard such as an Bench Top
fume absorber appropriate to use for this chemical?

Also, should you wear other PPE besides gloves, gown etc. Should you wear a
mask also?

Thank you.

Marsha Price

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