Decontamination of Ethidium Bromide Solutions and Surfaces
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WARNING: EtBr is toxic and mutagenic. Hypophosphorus and its solutions are\corrosive. Decontamination solution gives off a small amount of nitrogendioxide, a toxic gas, when initially mixed.
Laboratory Safety Practices and Equipment:
| - | Prepare decontamination solution in the fume hood. |
| - | Wear two layers of gloves, lab coat and safety glasses. |
| - | Turn off electrical equipment before decontamination. |
Preparation of Decontamination Solution:
Prepare fresh solution on day of use. Add hypophosphorus acid to an aqueous solution of sodium nitrite:
| 1 litre | 2 litres | 3 litres | |
| Sodium nitrite | 13.6g | 27.2g | 40.8g |
| Hypophosphorus acid | 67ml | 134ml | 200ml |
Decontamination of EtBr Waste:
| - | Procedure has been validated for EtBr solutions of less than 0.5mg/ml in water, TBE buffer, MOPS buffer and CsCl gradients. For solutions greater than 0.5 mg/ml, dilute to 0.5 mg/ml with water. |
| - | Liquid waste: Add 1 part decontamination solution to 3 parts EtBr solution (25%). |
| - | Solid waste: Ensure that all waste is submerged in the decontamination solution and in contact with it. |
| - | Mix and hold for 20 hours. |
| - | Neutralise with sodium bicarbonate and discard as non-hazardous aqueous waste for solutions. For solids, seal in plastic bags and discard. |
References:
- Lunn, G. and Sansone, E.B. (1987) Ethidium bromide: destruction and decontamination of solutions. Anal. Biochem 162 :453.
- Lunn, G. and Sansone, E.B. (1989) Decontamination of ethidium bromide spills. Appl Ind Hyg 4 :234.
