[DIYbio] Re: How do you make and use acrylamide gels?

On Fri, Apr 1, 2011 at 2:22 PM, Cathal Garvey <cathalgarvey@gmail.com> wrote:
> Only safety concerns I can think of (bear in mind I've got these second
> hand, and have never worked with SDS or acrylamide):
>
> -Hot SDS can vapourise and is apparently harmful to the lungs, so take care
> when handling hot SDS. Cool SDS, though bad for your skin, shouldn't pose
> much of a hazard; chemically it's similar to SLS found in shampoos (hence my
> plans to test SLS as a cheaper miniprep reagent..)

Turns out for DNA you use Urea, not SDS... guess I'll look up the
hazards of that, but for now I'm just gonna buy pre-mixed liquid
solution, so at least I won't have to deal with anything powder.

>
> -Acrylamide is a polymerisation hazard. From my understanding, it's
> dangerous to the lungs until it's completely gelled, possibly due to
> formation of asbestos-like irritant fibers or something. So again, handle
> with care, and possibly wear a dust mask if you're feeling cautious to catch
> vapours, droplets or fibers.

I recently ordered masks for a family member who just got an organ
transplant. He wanted them to wear in the hospital waiting room on
future medical appointments. From what I read, for lab use a
respirator is actually more appropriate because it more surely seals
around the face. I just checked here 'Occupational Safety and Health
Guideline for Acrylamide" says ventilation, respirator if that isn't
enough, and that polyethylene and ethylene vinyl alcohol are resistant
to acrylamide for 4-8 hours, and that gloves apron boots and a
chemical protective suit should be worn while working with it!

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/81-123/pdfs/0012-rev.pdf

Luckily I have a lab nearby that has a real chemical hood, but I think
I might have to get some new protective gear....


--
-Nathan

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