Number
054-EN
Section
General Section
Use
Sector
Scientific research and development
Health services
Other
Function
Cleaning agent
Process
Transfer of substance or mixture (charging and discharging) at non-dedicated facilities
Non industrial spraying
Treatment of articles by dipping and pouring
Manual activities involving hand contact
Product category
washing ad cleaning products
Application
Cleaning of glass laboratory utensils
Abstract
Chromic acid is widely used in many laboratories for cleaning glassware. Because of the hazards for health and environment some alternatives have been developed as commercial products, but also as laboratory-made substitutes.
Substituted substances
Chromium trioxide
CAS No. 1333-82-0 EC No. 215-607-8 Index No. 024-001-00-0
Chemical group
Chromium compounds; metal oxides
Classification: hazard statements
H271 May cause fire or explosion; strong oxidiser
H350 May cause cancer
H340 May cause genetic defects
H361f Suspected of damaging fertility
H330 Fatal if inhaled
H311 Toxic in contact with skin
H301 Toxic if swallowed
H372 Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
H334 May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled
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).
Alternative Substances
Hydrogen chloride
CAS No. 7647-01-0 EC No. 231-595-7 Index No. 017-002-00-2
Chemical group
Inorganic acid
Classification: hazard statements
H331 Toxic if inhaled
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).
Potassium hydroxide ethanol
CAS No. EC No. Index No.
Chemical group
Potassium compounds, hydroxides
Reliability of information
Internet information: data are from an internet document and only a basic and partial evaluation could be performed
Reason substitution
CMR
ecotoxicity
Hazard Assessment
Substance to be substituted: Chromium trioxide is a Substance of very high concern and is included on the REACH authorisation list, according to Article 62 of Regulation (EG) No. 1907/2006(REACH Regulation). Alternative substances: The alternative hydrogen chloride is not listed in the SUBSPORTplus Database. Potassium hydroxide ethanol is a mixture of the alkali in denaturated alcohol that may contain toluene (Repr.2) and hydrazine (Carc.1B, aquatic toxicity 1 for both acute and chronic effects). Strong alkali or acid solutions are corrosive. But it has no harmonised classification according to Annex VI of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation). » Check the Substance Database according to SUBSPORTplus Screening Criteria (SDSC)
Description of Substitution
The Division of Research Safety’s-Chemical Safety Section of the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign (UIUC) in USA published a fact sheet on alternatives to chromic acid used to clean laboratory glassware. Previously, an internal study made by UIUC in 1992 had shown that 26 of its laboratories were using chromic acid as cleaner and concluded that this was due to unawareness of available alternatives at that time. Another possible cause identified back then was that people did not realise the hazards of the chemical and the fact that they were passed on to waste. After using several alternative cleaners commercially available on the market, researchers found that they provide ”sufficient cleaning capabilities for their needs”. Laboratory made solutions (acidic or basic) that can be neutralised and severed after use, also achieve desired cleaning levels. The alternatives included commercialised cleaners (see Further information) and other chemicals often available in laboratories: hydrochloric acid, potassium hydroxide ethanol, oxidising agents without chromium or other metals.
Case/substitution evaluation
The substitution eliminates the use of hexavalent chromium in oxides and chromates known to be hazardous for the workers and environment. Corrosive alternatives need proper handling and the use of personal protective equipment. Corrosive wastes need to be neutralised before disposal. This case study shows the substitution of a very dangerous substance with a much less dangerous substance. This means that the risk has been reduced, but not eliminated. Further attempts at substitution should be made.
State of implementation
In use
Date and place of implementation
USA
Enterprise using the alternative
Division of the Research safety, of the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
Availability ofAlternative
Alternatives are available on the market.
Type of information supplier
User
Contact
Division of the Research safety, of the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, http://www.drs.illinois.edu/
Further information
1. MSDS ALCONOX Lab cleaning powder http://www.alconox.com/Resources/StandardDocuments/MSDS/msds_alconox_english_ghs.pdf 2. MSDS FL 70 Concentrate https://www.fishersci.com/store/msds?partNumber=SF1054&productDescription=fltrade-concentrate&vendorId=VN00033897&keyword=true&countryCode=US&language=en
Publication source: author, company, institute, year
Division of Research Safety, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
Date, reviewed
December 11, 2020