[Histonet] Disposal of Bouin's Solution

[Monson, Frederick]

https://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/cci/safety/picric.pdf

Two hazards:  formaldehyde and picric acid (see attached).
While I agree with Dr. Richmond, changing protocols is not easily done.
So.  You may search for appropriate oxidizers of aldehydes.  OR!!!  You may take the reasonable path by sending it off periodically to a company that will cost enough to raise the use of the stuff to serious conversation.  

Picric acid - 
                      since I used it from the late 1950's - the end of our "Dark Ages"[???] - 
                                        into the mid 1970's -the age when students became consumers  and knowing what was on the test was paramount -  
                                                                  IS really hazardous - when it is dry.  [So, I always kept it covered with water (saturated in local conditions.]
Picric acid is the reason that you should either stop using Bouin's or waste it (wet!!) to a competent waste-handling company.

Cheers,

Fred Monson (5 weeks to the oblivion called 'retirement.'

-----Original Message-----
From: Bob Richmond via Histonet [mailto:histonet at lists.utsouthwestern.edu] 
Sent: Thursday, May 11, 2017 6:39 PM
To: Histonet at lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Disposal of Bouin's Solution

Lori Jones, CT(ASCP), Pathology Supervisor, Ingalls Memorial Hospital asks:

>>We use Bouin's Solution in our pathology department and are currently
disposing of it by neutralizing it with Vytac for formalin. I can't find supporting documentation that this is the proper way to dispose of it. I'd like to know if and how other institutions are neutralizing Bouin's solution.<<

The best way to dispose of Bouin's fixative is by not buying it at all.
What do you use it for? There are substitutes for it for most purposes.

Bob Richmond
Samurai Pathologist
Maryville TN
_______________________________________________
Histonet mailing list
Histonet at lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet