I am at a further education college studying A-level chemistry and am worried about having to use potassium dichromate as I have read that it is carcinogenic. If so, shouldn't it be banned?
2007-02-28 02:37:21 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
should be but it is useful in many aspects.
2007-02-28 02:40:05 · answer #1 · answered by chill tracker 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a nasty chemical, but if you are careful, and use gloves in a fume cupboard you will be fine. Ccarcinogens aren't all only nasty when exposed to long term - there are some chemicals reputed to be 'one-hit' carcinogens. For example I have heard hexamethylphosphoramide is in this category - come into contact with it and you will get a tumour. However, there are very few compounds that are proven carcinogens in humans (I remember being told in a lecture about 10 years ago that it is about 12). There are a very large number that have been shown to be carcinogens in other animals eg mice, and the assumption is that they are carcinogenic in humans. However, there are hazards associated with an awful lot of the chemicals you will have to use. The points people have made about method of exposure are correct. Some compounds are very toxic, but only if ingested, which you should be able to avoid. Potassium dichromate is not particularly nice, but is no worse than an awful lot of things you will use if you want to pursue a career in chemistry. There are many substances I will go out of my way to avoid using, but for the most part treat everything with respect and you will be fine.
2007-02-28 09:36:48 · answer #2 · answered by andy m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Potassium dichromate, like all hexavalent chromium compounds, are classed as carcinogens. However due to the nature of the substance the liklihood of coming into contact with the substance is low providing you take appropriate safety precautions. Handle the minimum amount you need, wear gloves, handle in a manner which reduced the generation of dust and you will be OK. I used potassium dichromate for many years to check the linearity of spectroscopy equipment; solutions obey Beers law it is a great absorber in the visible range of the spectrum.
I can reassure you that with safe handling the risk associated with this substance is reduced to an acceptable level.
Andy
2007-02-28 11:13:56 · answer #3 · answered by andyrp2001 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Scary but true, petrol fumes, some artificial sweeteners and many other compounds you meet everyday are carcinogenic. Salt is technically classed as a hazardous substance in a laboratory setting. Follow the safety instructions you have been given and don't worry about it. Carcinogenic in this case just means that if you had a lot of exposure it could potentially increase the risk of cancer, it does not mean that it will cause cancer.
Just be cautious and wear the safety gear provided, don't drink it and make sure you was your hands properly when you leave the lab. Trust me they don't let anyone at A-level get anywhere near anything really dangerous, insurance costs too much.
2007-02-28 10:31:38 · answer #4 · answered by Ellie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many chemicals can be carcinogens even artificial sweeteners. The real worry is the amount of product that is needed before it becomes carcinogenic and how it is used. While around a carcinogenic in the laboratory simply be careful and do not ingest/inhale/inject it and you should be fine, this is the reason there is so much care taken when in a laboratory.
2007-02-28 02:41:57 · answer #5 · answered by LeeAnn R 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most substances that are carcinogenic are normally so by long term exposure at high concentrations. If you take the safety precautions such as wearing gloves, eye protection, lab coat, mask for dust, working in a fume cupboard, then you should live a full life. Self protection is the key.
2007-02-28 02:48:27 · answer #6 · answered by The exclamation mark 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are different levels of carcinogenic rating ranging from could be carcinogenic, carcinogenic to animal and definately carcinogenic to human, its only the later which is usually banned
2007-02-28 02:42:12 · answer #7 · answered by paulaston4 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no... just because it's a carcinogen doesn't mean that using it chemistry class will give you cancer. It may only be dangerous if you eat it, or something like that. Institutes of higher learning would never give a dangerous chemical to students without training.
2007-02-28 02:40:49 · answer #8 · answered by yodadoe 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are risks involved in handling almost any chemical. As long as these chemicals are handled properly (using gloves, goggles, a fume hood if necessary) the risks should be minimal. Just don't drink the solution, and you'll be fine.
2007-02-28 02:44:40 · answer #9 · answered by derrick-fish 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Carcinogens are only really dangerous through long term contact or through sustantial ingestion. You don't need to worry about it. And hey, don't be a wuss
2007-02-28 02:43:18 · answer #10 · answered by taoinshrd 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Check it out with your tutor. Can hardly imagine you would be using it if it was a threatening substance. But check and put your mind at rest.
2007-02-28 02:40:50 · answer #11 · answered by SYJ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋