While osmium tetroxide is still a solid at room temperature its vapor pressure at 20 =B0C is 7 mm Hg. Substantial if OsO4 is present.
http://www.chemistry.ucla.edu/sites/default/files/safety/sop/SOP_Osmium_Tetroxide.pdf
From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:dchas-l**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU] On Behalf Of Monona Rossol
Sent: Monday, August 05, 2013 3:37 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] demolition of lab with osmium tetroxide contamination
I agree with Rob. Osmium tetroxide has a TLV TWA of 0.0002 ppm or 0.0016 mg/m3. You have no choice but to use air-supplied. And I just looked at 3M cartridge information and Supplied Air is their recommendation. And since OS4 still a solid at room temperature (MP 104 F - 40 o C) there really could be stuff lurking there depending on conditions.
Monona Rossol, M.S., M.F.A., Industrial Hygienist
President: Arts, Crafts & Theater Safety, Inc.
Safety Officer: Local USA829, IATSE
181 Thompson St., #23
New York, NY 10012 212-777-0062
-----Original Message-----
From: ILPI Support <info**At_Symbol_Here**ILPI.COM>
To: DCHAS-L <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU>
Sent: Mon, Aug 5, 2013 5:20 pm
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] demolition of lab with osmium tetroxide contamination
Not an expert at that, but for the hood I'd go with a full face supplied air respirator. While it's unlikely there is anything volatile remaining, OsO4 attacks the corneas and I would not rely on a cartridge which probably has not been tested against Os4.
Rob Toreki
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On Aug 5, 2013, at 3:29 PM, Ellen M. Sweet <ems325**At_Symbol_Here**CORNELL.EDU> wrote:
Hi everyone,
I'd like to know if anyone has dealt with the demolition of a lab and removal of a fume hood in which osmium tetroxide was used? Other than recommending respiratory protection (N100 or P100 cartridges), nitrile gloves and coveralls during tear-out, are there any other precautions we should keep in mind?
Thanks for any suggestions.
Ellen
Ellen Sweet
Laboratory Ventilation Specialist
Department of Environmental Health and Safety
Cornell University
315-730-8896