Dab disposal is a problem for diagnostic labs especially. We firstly
neutralise DAB with equal volumes of 0.2M Potassium permanganate and 2.0M
sulphuric acid. I allow the mixture to stand overnight (fume hood or laminar
flow bench) making sure it is appropriately covered. It is now
non-mutagenic. The following day I decolourise the mixture with Ascorbic
acid (adding powder until colour disappears). Then neutralise with Sodium
Bicarb. and either test with pH paper or meter. You can then discard the
solution down the drain.

The reference for this is Lunn & Sansone.1991. The safe disposal of DAB.
Appl.Occup.Environ.Hyg. Vol 6. pages 49-53.

Jim Manavis
-----Original Message-----
From: Nima Farsinejad <nfarsin@emory.edu>
To: Histonet@pathology.swmed.edu <Histonet@pathology.swmed.edu>
Date: Saturday, 19 August 2000 3:04
Subject: DAB Disposal


>Could anyone please tell me what is the proper way of disposing DAB?
>I have heard that Bleach should be used, however I have alo heard that
>bleach will just react to make other carcinogens. Thanks.
>
>
>Nima Farsinejad
>Research Specialist
>Emory University
>Atlanta, Georgia
>
>
>
>
>