Safety Warnings

Clostridial neurotoxins are very toxic. However they are ineffective in individuals immunized with the corresponding toxoids. In most countries children are vaccinated with tetanus toxoid and this is sufficient to provide full protection against tetanus for decades. A booster injection of tetanus toxoid (available from health authorities) before starting research with TeTx is advisable. On the other hand, the vaccine for BoNT/A, B, C, D and E is not commercially available, but can be obtained from the Center for Disease Control (CDC, Atlanta, GA). Due to the rather low efficacy of the BoNTs vaccine, a protective serum anti-BoNT titre is generally, but not always, achieved. Human anti-TeTx antibodies and horse anti-BoNT antibodies are also available from health authorities, and their injection immediately after accidental penetration of the toxin into the circulatory system is sufficient to prevent the disease. 

Work with the toxin should be performed in a contained space and all the materials contaminated with CNTs should be autoclaved or washed at the end of the experiment with dilute sodium hypochloride, due to the extreme sensitivity to oxidants of CNTs (see Chapter 20). 

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A 12 g sample decomposed explosively on heating under vacuum at 60° C, though it has been described as stable up to 210°C when it decomposes violently. Avoid heating it to remove volatile impurities [1], In later safety warnings it has been described as able to detonate spontaneously [2],... 

Very often the complete history of samples received into the laboratory may be unclear or incomplete. If it is not possible to find out detailed information about the background of a sample, then the sample should be treated with extra care. Where subsamples of a particular sample are sent to different parts of a laboratory, the labelling of each subsample should include any relevant safety warnings. 

Whenever ambient noise levels are above emergency alarm signals or tones, flashing lights or beacons should be considered that are visible in all portions of the affected area. The color of flashing lights should be consistent with the safety warning colors adopted at the facility. 

Bullock R. Treatment of behavioural and psychiatric symptoms in dementia implications of recent safety warnings. Curr Med Res Opin 2005 21 1-10. 

Stepwise oxidation of organic snbstrates is often carried out with thainthreniumyl perchlorate. This oxidant will be encountered in many cases dnring the citing of materials in the following chapters. However, first, a safety warning shonld be pnt. It is a shock-sensitive solid that mnst be handled only on a small scale and with due care. 

Different national agencies have different practices on what action they may take when faced with dangerous products. The UK Medical Devices Agency, for example, operates a practice of issuing a sequence of three advisory notices to UK health services, for which the criteria for the various safety warning categories are as follows. ... 

Safety warnings are issued to the customer. Labeling the product... 

Nine deaths have been reported in children with Prader-Willi syndrome receiving growth hormone. Pfizer issued a safety warning for growth hormone and Prader-Willi syndrome after reviewing seven deaths in male subjects (89). There was an association with severe obesity and severe respiratory impairment. 

Increased safety warnings attached to some drugs (such as Roche s Accutane and GlaxoSmithKline s Paxil) and the complete market withdrawal of others (for example, Merck Co s Vioxx) have undermined consumer confidence in both the pharmaceutical industry and the products it produces. As a result, consumers now question whether pharmaceutical companies have their best interests in mind when marketing a product. 

Remember to treat all compounds, especially new materials, with care. Avoid breathing vapours and do not allow solids or solutions to get on your skin. The majority of accidents are caused by a few common hazards. Some of the most frequently encountered dangers are listed in Table 2.1 and you should be aware of all of these, and always take appropriate precautions. Consult safety manuals and other Sections of this book for more information. Throughout the book safety warnings are highlighted in bold italic text. 

Each item was evaluated both theoretically and experimentally to assure safety and reliability A large number of items were discarded because of inherent hazards or unreliable performance Safety warnings are prominently inserted in the procedures where they apply but it is emphasized that safety is a matter of attitude. It is a proven fact that men who are alert who think out a situation and who take correct precautions have fewer accidents than the careless and indifferent. It is important that work be planz>ed and that instructions be followed to the letter all work should be done In a neat and orderly manner. In the manufacture explosives detonators, propellants and incendiaries, equipment must be kept clean and such energy concentrations as sparks ... 

Butane, isobutane, and propane are asphyxiants and should be handled in a well-ventilated environment it is recommended that environmental oxygen levels are monitored and not permitted to fall below a concentration of 18% v/v. These vapors do not support life therefore when cleaning large tanks, adequate provisions for oxygen supply must be provided for personnel cleaning the tanks. Butane is highly flammable and explosive and must only be handled in an explosion-proof room that is equipped with adequate safety warning devices and explosion-proof equipment. 

Safety warning Operations set off between the lines must be performed in a fume hood. Caution concentrated ammonia solution (15 m) is a skin, eye, and nasal passage irritant. Avoid breathing the ammonia fumes. 

Safety warning Operations set off between the lines must be performed in a fume hood. 

Safety warning Silver nitrate stains skin and clothing. Use gloves when working with this reagent, and clean all spills with water. 

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