[Histonet] chemical disposal

[Lee & Peggy Wenk]

Where most people get confused is the"Biological Hazard". They think - this 
chemical would hurt a human being, it would damage someone's skin if 
splashed on it, it would injure someone's lungs if inhaled, it could cause 
cancer with long exposure, etc. Since it's hurting a person, it must be a 
biological hazard. Nope.

"Biological hazard" means that the "solution" contains a biologically active 
microorganism (bacteria, fungus, virus, parasite) or a prion - all of which 
could infect the person using the "solution" if not handled correctly. 
(Fresh tissue would be a possible biological hazard, since we don't know 
what, if anything, that tissue is infected with. Same with a frozen section. 
If tissue is properly fixed and processed, that would kill the 
microorganism, so the tissue is no longer a biological hazard. Prions need 
special treatment with formic acid.)

If the material is a chemical (solvent, dye, bleach, soap, toner cartridges 
that leak, etc.), then it is a Chemical Hazard. This would include the DAB.

Peggy A. Wenk, HTL(ASCP)SLS
Beaumont Hospital
Royal Oak, MI 48073

The opinions expressed are mine, and do not reflect on Beaumont Hospital.

-----Original Message----- 
From: Cynthia Pyse
Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 3:44 PM
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] chemical disposal

Quick question for Histoland. I am having a debate about DAB disposal. Our
general manager ( non lab background) insists that the liquid DAB can go
into a biological hazardous waste. I disagree, it is a chemical and needs to
be disposed in the chemical hazardous waste. What is everyone else doing to
dispose of DAB. We are located in NY, I do have those regs. Thanks in
advance for any and all help.

Cindy



Cindy Pyse, CLT, HT (ASCP)

Laboratory Manager

X-Cell Laboratories

20 Northpointe Parkway Suite 100

Amherst, NY 14228

716-250-9235 etx. 232

e-mail cpyse <@t> x-celllab.com



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