Number
182-EN
Section
General Section
Use
Sector
Scientific research and development
Function
Cleaning agent
Process
Manual activities involving hand contact
Product category
washing ad cleaning products
Application
Cleaning of Laboratory materials
Abstract
This document proposes and analyses different alternatives to sulfochromatic mixtures (chrome VI) in the cleaning of laboratory instruments. The full text is only available in French.
Substituted substances
Chromium (VI) compounds, with the exception of barium chromate and of compounds specified elsewhere in this Annex
CAS No. EC No. Index No. 024-017-00-8
Chemical group
Chromium compounds
Classification: hazard statements
H350i May cause cancer by inhalation
H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction
H400 Very toxic to aquatic life
H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Other adverse effects
The substance is: 1 carcinogen (IARC: chromium VI compounds), as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORT Screening Criteria (SDSC).
Sulphuric acid
CAS No. 7664-93-9 EC No. 231-639-5 Index No. 016-020-00-8
Chemical group
Inorganic acid
Classification: hazard statements
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Other adverse effects
Strong inorganic acid mists: 1 carcinogen (IARC) as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORT Screening Criteria (SDSC).
Alternative Substances
Non ionic surfactants
CAS No. EC No. Index No.
Chemical group
Surfactants
Potassium hydroxide
CAS No. 1310-58-3 EC No. 215-181-3 Index No. 019-002-00-8
Chemical group
Potassium compounds; hydroxides
Classification: hazard statements
H302 Harmful if swallowed
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Sodium hydroxide
CAS No. 1310-73-2 EC No. 215-185-5 Index No. 011-002-00-6
Chemical group
Sodium compounds; hydroxides
Classification: hazard statements
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Reliability of information
Evidence of assessment: there is evidence of an official (positive) assessment of the substitution
Reason substitution
CMR
other toxic effects
neurotoxicant
Hazard Assessment
Substance to be substituted: Sulfochromatic mixtures may cause cancer by inhalation, is very toxic to aquatic life, is very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects and may cause an allergic skin reaction. The substance is a category 1B carcinogen (CLP Regulation) and a sensitiser (H317, H334; CLP Regulation), Sulphuric acid causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Alternative substances: Potassium hydroxide causes severe skin burns and eye damage and is harmful if swallowed. Non-ionic surfactants have no harmonised classification according to Annex VI of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation). Sodium hydroxide causes severe skin burns and eye damage. The substances are not listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORTplus Screening Criteria (SDSC). These detergents are strongly alkaline and corrosive and are irritating to skin, even after dilution. Whatever the form used (powder or solution), safety measures and protective equipment (glasses, gloves…) need to be taken
Description of Substitution
Sulfochromatic mixtures (K2Cr2O7, Na2Cr2O7… in concentratedsulphuric acid, H2SO4) are still regularly used in laboratories for the cleaning of glass flasks and vessels. The mixture is considered highly hazardous to human health: Chromium VI salts are classified as human carcinogens categories 1 and 2 by the EU and their use in laboratories must be banned. This article presents a number of solutions for the substitution of sulfochromatic mixtures which include: -Decon 90 (VWR International): An emulsion of anionic and non-ionic surface active agents, caustic soda and stabilizing agents -TFD 4 (Franklab): a mixture Anionic and non-ionic surfacting agents, potassium hydroxide andstabilizing agents -Alconox (Vasse Industries): Anionic surfacting agents These are detergents with tenso-active agents, like alkyl benzenesulfonates, that can be used for cleaning laboratory instrument. These detergents are also available for cleaning with ultrasonic baths.
Case/substitution evaluation
Chromium VI is a highly toxic substance included in SUBSPORTplus’s Priority list for substitution. Alternatives imply less health hazards. Alternative products are not exempt for risks but avoid the handling and dispersion of a product highly genotoxic that implies higher risks.
Type of information supplier
Research
Further information
Material Safety Data Sheet, detergent Decon90
Type of publication and availability
freely available (in French)
Publication source: author, company, institute, year
Le remplacement du mélange sulfochromique Brigitte Diers, Frédérique Mazé-Coradin Magazine: Lactualité chimique http://www.lactualitechimique.org/ 2004
Publication source
Type of publication and availability
https://www.lactualitechimique.org/Le-remplacement-du-melange-sulfochromique
Date, reviewed
November 26, 2021