Date: Tue, 14 Sep 2010 15:43:04 -0500
Reply-To: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: "Long, Don" <don.long**At_Symbol_Here**WGINT.COM>
Subject: Re: Shelf Life of PEG 400 used for Phenol First Aid Treatment
In-Reply-To: A<4C8FC8AE.9080203**At_Symbol_Here**lbl.gov>

The MSDS for Phenol:Chloroform calls for "plenty of soap and water for 
at least 15 minutes". While I understand that you feel that using water 
may spread phenol to other parts of the body, ready access to a SSEW and 
training on proper decon procedures would minimize that possibility. And 
you probably don't want to use PEG 400 for eye decon. In our personnel 
decon kits that we use in our chemical weapons lab (mustard and nerve 
agents)we utilize bottles with soap and water as well as plain or 
"rinse" water. No shelf life problems here and it's hard to argue that 
there's too many chemicals that would ruin your day quicker than these.

Don A. Long
Southwest Research Institute Laboratory
Pine Bluff Chemical Agent Disposal Facility
PO Box 20130
White Hall, AR  71612
870-541-4930



-----Original Message-----
From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU]On Behalf Of
Larry D. McLouth
Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 2010 2:11 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Shelf Life of PEG 400 used for Phenol First Aid
Treatment

We're developing first aid procedures for phenol and phenol/chloroform.  

This involves decontaminating affected areas with polyethylene glycol 
(400 MW) instead of water.  Flushing with water may spread phenol to 
other parts of the body.

Because of its expense, we plan to buy larger quantities of PEG 400 and 
repackage it into 1 L nalgene bottles.  This, along with other supplies 
(gauze pads, gloves, disposable coveralls - for modesty, etc.) will be 
put in light tight buckets.  The buckets will be stored in labs at room 
temperature.

My question is about the shelf life of the PEG after it has been opened 
and repackaged.  Chemical suppliers report shelf lives from 1 to 2 
years.  But I believe this applies to PEG intended for manufacturing and 

research applications. 

Does anyone have experience with the use of PEG 400 for 1st aid 
treatment who can recommend a shelf life?  Literature citations (if they 

exist) would be much appreciated.

Regards
Larry

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