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4.

Ethanol

a) Health effects of exposure to the chemical


 Acute Alcohol Intoxication: consuming large amounts of ethanol can lead to
intoxication, characterized by impaired by judgement, slurred speech, lack of
coordination and slowed reaction times. Severe intoxication can result in alcohol
poisoning, which can be life threatening
 Liver damage: ethanol is primarily metabolized in the liver, where it is broken down
into acetaldehyde and then further metabolized into acetate. Chronic alcohol
consumption can lead to liver damage, including fatty liver, alcohol hepatitis, fibrosis,
and cirrhosis. These conditions can progress to liver failure and increase the risk of
liver cancer.

b) Handling and storage


 Personal Protective Equipment: when handling ethanol, wear appropriate
personal protective equipment, including safety goggles, gloves, and lab coats
to protect against skin contact and inhalation.
 Ventilation: work in a well-ventilated area to prevent the build up of ethanol
vapors, which can be flammable and pose a respiratory hazard.

c) First Aid measures


 Eye contact: if the ethanol gets into the eyes, immediately flush the eyes with
lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes, holding the eyelids open. Seek
medical attention if irritation, pain, or redness persists after flushing.
 Skin contact: if ethanol comes into contact with the skin, remove
contaminated clothing and rinse the affected area with plenty of water for at
least 15 minutes. If irritation or redness develops, seek medical attention.

d) Stability and reactivity


 Thermal Stability: Ethanol is moderately stable at ambient temperature, but it
decomposes when heated to temperatures beyond its boiling point of 78.37°C
(173.1°F). However, under typical circumstances, it is not overly reactive.
 Chemical Stability: Ethanol is stable in normal storage conditions. It does not easily
decompose or react with ambient oxygen or moisture.

Reactivity:
 Combustibility: Ethanol is extremely flammable and will readily ignite in the
presence of a spark, flame, or heat source. When burned, it emits CO2 and water.
 Reaction with Oxygen: Ethanol can undergo oxidation processes, particularly in the
presence of oxidizing chemicals like potassium dichromate or acidic potassium
permanganate. This process transforms ethanol to ethanoic acid (acetic acid).

5. Sodium
a) Health effects of exposure to the chemical
 Excess Sodium Intake: High sodium intake, particularly in the form of sodium
chloride (table salt), is linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure
(hypertension). Hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular
illness, including heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.
 Water Retention & Edema: Excessive sodium intake can cause water retention
in the body, resulting in edema (swelling), especially in the extremities like
the legs and ankles.

b) Handling and storage


 Handling: Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses,
gloves (ideally nitrile or neoprene), and a lab coat or protective gear, to avoid skin
and eye contact with sodium.
 Handling equipment: To handle sodium, use non-sparking equipment like plastic or
wooden spatulas or tongs.
 Storage: To protect sodium from moisture and air, store it in airtight containers or
under an inert environment, such as argon or nitrogen.
 Store sodium in a cold, dry location away from heat, direct sunshine, and ignition
sources.
c) First Aid measures
 Skin Contact: If sodium comes into touch with the skin, remove the
contaminated clothing immediately and flush the afflicted area with plenty of
water for at least fifteen minutes. Organic solvents and oils should not be used
to remove salt from the skin since they can react with it and exacerbate the
injury. Seek medical treatment if you have irritation, burns, or other
symptoms.
 Eye Contact: If sodium comes into contact with your eyes, flush them
immediately with lukewarm water while holding your eyelids wide for at least
15 minutes. Seek immediate medical attention or request emergency medical
aid.
d) Stability and Reactivity
 Stability:
 Thermal Stability: Sodium metal remains relatively stable at normal
temperature. It gets more reactive as temperatures rise. At high temperatures,
sodium can spontaneously ignite or aggressively react with air, water, and
other things.
 Chemical Stability: Sodium metal is very reactive and easily undergoes
chemical interactions with other chemicals. It interacts vigorously with water,
acids, halogens, and a variety of other compounds, frequently generating
hydrogen gas and forming metal salts.

 Reactivity:

 Sodium reacts strongly with water, forming sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and
hydrogen gas (H2). This reaction is very exothermic and can result in the quick
release of hydrogen, which is frequently followed by the burning of the
hydrogen gas.
 Sodium rapidly interacts with oxygen in the air, producing sodium oxide
(Na2O) or sodium peroxide (Na2O2), depending on the conditions. These
reactions are very exothermic, resulting in the production of an oxide or
peroxide layer on the sodium metal.

6. Iodoethane
a) Health effects of exposure to the chemical
 Irritation: When in contact or inhaled, iodoethane can irritate the skin, eyes,
and respiratory tract. Symptoms may include redness, itching, burning, and
discomfort.
 Central Nervous System Effects: Inhaling or ingesting iodoethane fumes can
cause central nervous system depression, including symptoms including
dizziness, headache, confusion, and drowsiness.
In severe situations of acute exposure, iodoethane can cause unconsciousness,
coma, or even death from respiratory failure.
b) Handling and storage
 Handling: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear appropriate PPE, such as
chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles or a face shield, lab coat or chemical-
resistant clothes, and respiratory protection if needed.
 Ventilation: Use iodoethane only in well-ventilated environments, such as a fume
hood, to reduce inhalation risk. To avoid vapor buildup, ensure that the workspace has
appropriate general ventilation.

c) First Aid measures


 Skin Contact:
 Remove Contaminated Clothing: If iodoethane comes into touch with your
skin, immediately remove any contaminated clothing and jewelry to avoid
additional exposure.
 Flush with Water: Rinse the affected area thoroughly with lukewarm water for
at least 15 minutes to remove any iodoethane residue. If a considerable
portion of your body is affected, take a safety shower.
 Eye Contact: Flush Eyes with Water: Gently flush the eyes with lukewarm
water for at least 15 minutes, keeping the eyelids wide to ensure thorough
rinsing.
 Utilize an Eyewash Station: If one is provided, utilize it to keep your eyes
flushed throughout the irrigation.

d) Stability and reactivity:


 Stability:
 Chemical stability: Under normal conditions, iodoethane is relatively stable. It
does not easily breakdown or undergo substantial chemical changes in the
absence of particular reactants or circumstances.
 Thermal Stability: Iodoethane is fairly stable at normal temperature. However,
it has the potential to breakdown or react at high temperatures, especially
when exposed to air or other reactive compounds.
 Reactivity:
 Flammability: Iodoethane is highly flammable and can react explosively with
air. It has a low flash point and will easily ignite in the presence of an ignition
source, such as an open flame, spark, or heat.
 Reactivity with Air: Iodoethane can react with air oxygen, especially under
heat or flame, resulting in combustion. This reaction generates heat and may
emit carbon dioxide and water vapor as byproducts.
7. Acetic anhydride

a) Health effects of exposure to the chemical


 Acetic anhydride is corrosive and can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory
tract when in touch. Symptoms can include redness, burning, itching, and
pain.
 Skin burns: Due to its corrosive nature, direct contact with acetic anhydride
can result in serious skin burns. When working with acetic anhydride, it is
best to prevent skin contact and wear protective clothes, such as chemical-
resistant gloves and clothing.
b) Handling and storage
 Handling:
 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear appropriate PPE, such as
chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles or a face shield, lab coat or
chemical-resistant clothes, and respiratory protection if needed.
 Ventilation: Use acetic anhydride exclusively in well-ventilated environments,
such as a fume hood, to reduce inhalation exposure. To avoid vapor buildup,
ensure that the workspace has appropriate general ventilation.
 Storage:
 To prevent leaks or spills, store acetic anhydride in firmly sealed,
appropriately labeled containers made of suitable materials such as glass or
high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
 Storage: Keep acetic anhydride containers in a cold, dry, well-ventilated
environment away from heat, direct sunlight, ignition sources, and
incompatible materials.

c) First Aid measures


 Skin Contact:
 Remove Contaminated Clothing: If acetic anhydride comes into touch with
the skin, immediately remove any contaminated clothing and jewelry to avoid
additional exposure.
 Flush with water: To remove any remaining acetic anhydride, thoroughly rinse
the afflicted area with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. If a
considerable portion of your body is affected, take a safety shower.

 Eye Contact:
 Flush Eyes with Water: Immediately flush the eyes with gently flowing
lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes, keeping the eyelids open to ensure
thorough rinsing.
 Use Eyewash Station: If available, use an eyewash station to flush the eyes
continuously during the irrigation process.
d) Stability and Reactivity
 Stability:
 Chemical Stability: Acetic anhydride is generally stable under normal
conditions when stored properly. It does not readily decompose at room
temperature or undergo spontaneous reactions.
 Thermal Stability: Acetic anhydride can decompose at elevated temperatures,
especially in the presence of moisture or other reactive substances. This
decomposition can produce acetic acid and other decomposition products.
 Reactivity:
 Hydrolysis: Acetic anhydride reacts vigorously with water to form acetic acid
and heat. This reaction is highly exothermic and can be dangerous if not
controlled. It is essential to avoid contact with water or moisture when
handling acetic anhydride.
 Acetylation Reactions: Acetic anhydride is commonly used as an acetylating
agent in organic synthesis. It reacts with alcohols, amines, phenols, and other
nucleophiles to form acetylated products. These reactions are often used in the
production of pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and other organic compounds.

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