Re: Xylene Substitute

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From:denisew2@juno.com
To:lpwenk@netquest.com
Reply-To:
Date:Wed, 26 May 1999 05:29:26 -0400
Content-Type:text/plain

Bravo about the distinction on this GRAS designation.  I would like to
add however that the newer MSDS for Americlear specifically indicate that
the product is a RCRA Hazardous Waste after its use and it can not be
dumped down the sink. It should be handled exactly like xylene, benzene,
etc... Sorry to burst your bubble.
dlongwoodward@bics.bwh.harvard.edu


On Thu, 20 May 1999 05:48:20 -0400 lpwenk@netquest.com (Wenk, Lee &
Peggy) writes:
>Concerning the statements on Limonene:
>
>1. The GRAS (generally regarded as safe) status mentioned in the
>email - this is from the FDA (Federal Drug Administration), not OSHA.
>
>The FDA regulates drugs and food additives. Limonene has been
>approved by the FDA for use in very small amounts as a food 
>additive to give the food an orange-y, citrus-y smell and flavor.
>Limonene is therefore GRAS when used in such small quantities 
>when used as a food additive (a few drops in a large batch of
>candy for example).
>
>The FDA does NOT regulate, extend or state that Limonene is GRAS 
>when used in large quantities or in ways other than as a 
>food additive. In other words, the FDA does not extend this GRAS 
>status to using gallon(s) of it in a histology lab. 
>
>OSHA does not extend a GRAS statement to any chemical. It states
>what a chemical will and won't do in terms of hazards.
>
>Therefore, no federal agency states that Limonene is GRAS for
>anyone working with it in a laboratory. Chemical hygiene and
>safety procedures still apply. Read the MSDS for additional
>information.
>
>2. Not all communities will allow the dumping of Limonene down
>the drain. It is oily and floats. Check with your area's water
>and sewer treatment plant. You may still need to have it hauled
>away, like xylene.
>
>Hope this helps.
>
>***************
>
>Peggy A. Wenk, HTL(ASCP)
>William Beaumont Hospital
>Royal Oak, MI 48073
>
>
>Jeff Silverman wrote:
>> 
>> Jorge,
>> I use any of the d-limonene products: Americlear from Allegience 
>Health
>> care, Hemo De from Fisher, or Clearene from Surgipath. D- limonene 
>is a
>> food grade oil, a terpene extracted from the peels of oranges and
>> grapefruits. It is non toxic but it has a strong orange smell- many 
>people
>> like it and many others hate it. Some people have an allergic 
>sensitivity
>> reaction to it but no one in my lab has been bothered in ten years. 
>Not
>> only is it non-toxic and "generally regarded as safe" by OSHA, 
>d-limonene
>> has anticancer activity and is being fed to human cancer patients 
>in
>> clinical trials. We can dump it down the sink and use it in all 
>staining
>> stations of paraffin and Pap smears. We also use it to purge the 
>tissue
>> processor- one change lasts me ten purges (two weeks) but  the 
>purge
>> solution can go in the garbage not down the sink because it is too
>> saturated with paraffin. I still use xylene  in my VIP for 
>processing
>> because d-limonene is not as good, some blocks are greasy. But this 
>exposes
>> us to xylene only every five or six weeks when we change the 
>processor.
>> D-limonene has a high vapor pressure and coverslipping multiple 
>slides is
>> easy, no "corn flake nuclei" from rapid evaporation. Also, you need 
>to keep
>> a jar of xylene at the coverslipping  bench to clean smeared slides 
>since
>> the -d-limonene does not dissolve the Cytoseal medium.  I heartily 
>endorse
>> it but watch out for allergies. E mail if you need more info.
>> Jeff Silverman
>> Southampton Hospital
>> NY USA
>> peptolab@hamptons.com
>> 
>> ----------
>> > From: Jorge Villalona <jvillalona@snet.net>
>> > To: histonet@Pathology.swmed.edu
>> > Subject: Xylene Substitute
>> > Date: Wednesday, May 19, 1999 7:23 PM
>> >
>> > Hi, everyone in the field of histotechnology.
>> >
>> > Our histology lab is looking for a xylene substitute that is easy 
>to
>> > dispose of, great for diparaffinization, dihydration, 
>coverslipping and
>> > most important; nonhazardous to our health.
>> > If anyone is using a xylene substitute, please give us your 
>input.
>> > We greatly appreciate your commends and recomendation.
>> >
>> > Thanks.
>> > Jorge Villalona; HT (ASCP)
>> >
>
>

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