A big thank you to all who responded to my inquiry about a too hot lab work
area.  To relieve those who think I have anything with a low flash point and
may have a fire I have a xylene substitute for clearing and 200 proof
ethanol for some fixation and dehydration during staining. I do just frozen
sections so no tissue processor and no large volumes of solvents in the
room.  The rest is harmless except for Rapid Fixx which contains some
formalin and glacial acetic acid.  Those are the worse toxins I work with
and it is under a hood and covered or in a flammable storage container along
with all the solvents I am not currently using in the staining set up.  It's
not that bad in the lab but physically uncomfortable for me.  The machines
seem OK as they are operating fine and have plenty of moving air esp with
the floor fan and exhaust.  I am very uncomfortable in a room above 73
degrees all day.  I think I will try removing some ceiling tiles and look
into the room air conditioner many suggested. The room has no windows so how
does one exhaust the air conditioner??

Thanks for all the concerns-I knew I would get good, quick responses!  How
professional of all of you!  Good Lord! The server reads like a bad B movie
lately. Hey guys let's stop our rantings and ravings. Please.  Didn't
9/11/2001 teach us anything!?!?!?  Thank you in advance.


Sincerely,

Sue Becker HTL (ASCP)
Histotechnologist
Private Mohs Practice
Albany, NY 12205