Toxic Laboratory Chemicals

	Acetonitrile Flammable irritant that converts to cyanide once inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin.
	Chloroform Volatile solvent can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs. It also acts as an anesthetic that depresses the central nervous system.
	Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) An excellent solvent that can cross healthy, intact skin.
	Formaldehyde Common fixative that causes dermatitis, sinusitis, and asthma.
	2-Mercaptoethanol A combustible corrosive that can harm the skin and the mucous membranes.
	Methanol Transforms to formic acid once inside the body and may cause metabolic acidosis and blinding retinal toxicity.
	Sodium Azide Extremely toxic skin irritant that can cause headaches, dangerously low blood pressure, and even heart failure.
	Sodium Hydroxide Strong bases like sodium hydroxide saponify fatty acids and destroy cell membranes.
	Sodium Hypochlorite Causes allergic contact dermatitis.
	Tetrahydrofuran (THF) A flammable solvent that produces shock-sensitive, explosive peroxides over time.

Even the most common laboratory chemical can still do you harm. Do not put your safety at risk. Contact GMI for solutions.