The following list of specific chemical hazards comes from the Staff and Student Chemical Safety Guidelines for polymer chemistry work at the MIT Media Laboratory’s Holographic Imaging Laboratory. It appears below unaltered.
2.4 Specific Chemical Hazard
Below is a list of the chemicals used in polymer chemistry. Also listed are the associated hazards of each chemical.
Oil
Silicone Oil – Do not inhale or swallow. Avoid contact with skin or eyes.
Surfactants
Tween 20 – Do not inhale or swallow. Avoid contact with skin or eyes.
Diacid Chlorides
Sebacoyl Chloride – A component of polymers. Corrosive — causes burns. Irritating to eyes and respiratory system. Lachrymator. Moisture sensitive.
Adipoyl Chloride – A component of polymers. Corrosive — causes burns. Irritating to eyes and respiratory system. Lachrymator. Reacts violently with water.
Diamnines
Hexamethyldiamine – Polymer Building block. Corrosive — causes burns. Harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed. Target organ: Liver.
Buffers
Sodium Hydrogencarbonate – Moisture sensitive — keep tightly closed. Avoid eye and skin contact.
Sodium Carbonate – Irritant. Causes severe irritation. Do not breathe dust.
Solvents
Methanol – which should only be used under the fume hood. Avoid skin contact and vapors. Methanol is also very flammable keep away from open flame or high temperature.
Isopropanol – a concentrated rubbing alcohol is sometimes used in the lab. Avoid unprotected contact Isopropanol is also flammable.
Other Chemicals
Cyclohexane – Highly flammable. Harmful by inhalation or if swallowed. Irritating to eyes and respiratory system and skin. Target Organs: Lungs and central nervous system.