DCHAS-L Discussion List Archive
Date: Tue, 14 Sep 2010 15:43:04 -0500
Reply-To: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: "Long, Don" <don.long**At_Symbol_Here**WGINT.COM>
Subject: Re: Shelf Life of PEG 400 used for Phenol First Aid Treatment
In-Reply-To: A<4C8FC8AE.9080203**At_Symbol_Here**lbl.gov>
The MSDS for Phenol:Chloroform calls for "plenty of soap and water for
at least 15 minutes". While I understand that you feel that using water
may spread phenol to other parts of the body, ready access to a SSEW and
training on proper decon procedures would minimize that possibility. And
you probably don't want to use PEG 400 for eye decon. In our personnel
decon kits that we use in our chemical weapons lab (mustard and nerve
agents)we utilize bottles with soap and water as well as plain or
"rinse" water. No shelf life problems here and it's hard to argue that
there's too many chemicals that would ruin your day quicker than these.
Don A. Long
Southwest Research Institute Laboratory
Pine Bluff Chemical Agent Disposal Facility
PO Box 20130
White Hall, AR 71612
870-541-4930
-----Original Message-----
From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU]On Behalf Of
Larry D. McLouth
Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 2010 2:11 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Shelf Life of PEG 400 used for Phenol First Aid
Treatment
We're developing first aid procedures for phenol and phenol/chloroform.
This involves decontaminating affected areas with polyethylene glycol
(400 MW) instead of water. Flushing with water may spread phenol to
other parts of the body.
Because of its expense, we plan to buy larger quantities of PEG 400 and
repackage it into 1 L nalgene bottles. This, along with other supplies
(gauze pads, gloves, disposable coveralls - for modesty, etc.) will be
put in light tight buckets. The buckets will be stored in labs at room
temperature.
My question is about the shelf life of the PEG after it has been opened
and repackaged. Chemical suppliers report shelf lives from 1 to 2
years. But I believe this applies to PEG intended for manufacturing and
research applications.
Does anyone have experience with the use of PEG 400 for 1st aid
treatment who can recommend a shelf life? Literature citations (if they
exist) would be much appreciated.
Regards
Larry
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