Use of Sodium Fluoride for construct testing

The relevant MSDS for this can be found [here].

Risks

Sodium Fluoride - This reagent is toxic if swallowed, irritating to the eyes and skin and if allowed to come into contact with acids releases a very poisonous gas.

To prevent contact with the skin, gloves and lab coats must be worn at all times when working with this reagent.

It is normal laboratory practice for scientists to never touch their faces while wearing gloves so the risk of getting the reagent in the eyes is small. If this is of great concern to the scientist however, we would recommend the use of safety goggles.

Swallowing the reagent is extremely unlikely to occur except in the case of contamination of food. To prevent this, storage of food and drink in the laboratory is forbidden and scientists should wash their hands (despite having used gloves) before leaving the lab.

Sodium Fluoride is unlikely to come into contact with any acidic media during construct testing but it is possible that the lab will be running acid based experiments simultaneously. Care must be taken to ensure that Sodium Fluoride is stored away from acids and, as a precaution, all experiments should be carried out in a well ventilated fume cupboard by scientists wearing masks.

Sodium Fluoride is considered hazardous chemical waste and must not be disposed of through the normal procedures for biological waste. If in doubt, consult the departmental waste disposal poster on our safety homepage.