Pyrogallol (CAS 87-66-1): storage and disposal
Pyrogallol is held as a white to grey crystalline solid in school and college prep rooms and university labs, often an old jar left from gas analysis and photographic work. It is harmful if swallowed, in contact with skin and if inhaled, is suspected of causing genetic defects and is harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects. A browned jar with no stock record is the typical thing found.
- CAS number
- 87-66-1
- Form
- Solid
- Storage class
- Toxic
- Signal word
- Warning
- Usual EWC code
- 16 05 06*
Harmful or irritant
Serious health hazard
What to do this week
- Check the label is readable and write down the opened date if it is not already there.
- Check it is stored as toxic stock and apart from the items listed under "Do not store with".
- If you no longer need it, add it to your disposal list so it goes on the next collection.
Safe storage in a school or lab
Open the cabinet and check whether the jar has a stock record. It belongs in a locked cabinet with that record, away from food and drink areas, from oxidisers and from acids. Alkalis should also be kept clear, because pyrogallol darkens rapidly in their presence. The lid must be firmly on, because air browns the solid over time, so an old jar that has been opened often is the likeliest to be dark. In a school prep room it is often a forgotten jar at the back of a cupboard. Label it clearly and keep it out of reach of students.
How to tell it has deteriorated
Pale crystals are normal, and the first change is darkening. Pyrogallol is oxidised by air, so an old jar goes grey and then brown, and the change is faster in a jar that has been opened often or stored warm. A stained cap, a failed seal, a faded label, caking and a missing stock record are the usual faults. A jar that has darkened is not safe to assume it is still what the label says. It should stay closed in the locked cabinet and be listed for collection, with a description of its colour.
How it must be disposed of
By specialist collection only. It never goes down the drain or into general waste. It is normally packed in a toxic laboratory pack with compatible chemicals.
Grouping is what matters most. The collector packs it with other organic toxic solids, away from oxidisers, acids and alkalis, so say what else is in your store. Tell the booking team that it is suspected of causing genetic defects, so the person packing the load knows. A discarded organic chemical outside a lab pack takes 16 05 08*. It must never be tipped into a sink or drain, because it is harmful to aquatic life, or into a bin or skip, and it must not be dissolved or neutralised first. Record the colour, the amount and whether the stock record exists.
| EWC code, laboratory chemicals | 16 05 06* |
|---|---|
| Discarded organic chemical, not a laboratory pack | 16 05 08* |
| Hazardous waste | Yes |
The code depends on where the waste came from and what it is mixed with. Use the waste code finder to see why.
Do not store with
- OxidiserToxic and oxidising stock are stored apart. A reaction could release toxic vapours.
- AcidToxic stock is stored apart from acids. Several toxic salts release toxic gas in contact with acid.
Named chemicals to keep apart
- Acetic acidToxic stock is stored apart from acids. Several toxic salts release toxic gas in contact with acid.
- Calcium hypochloriteToxic and oxidising stock are stored apart. A reaction could release toxic vapours.
- Hydrochloric acidToxic stock is stored apart from acids. Several toxic salts release toxic gas in contact with acid.
- Hydrogen peroxideToxic and oxidising stock are stored apart. A reaction could release toxic vapours.
- Nitric acidToxic stock is stored apart from acids. Several toxic salts release toxic gas in contact with acid.
- Potassium nitrateToxic and oxidising stock are stored apart. A reaction could release toxic vapours.
- Potassium permanganateToxic and oxidising stock are stored apart. A reaction could release toxic vapours.
- Sulfuric acidToxic stock is stored apart from acids. Several toxic salts release toxic gas in contact with acid.
Common quantities we collect
Usually held as: solid.
Part-used bottles and full containers are both fine. Tell us the size and how many, and an estimate is enough for a first price.
Where it is commonly held
Hazard statements
- H302 Harmful if swallowed.
- H312 Harmful in contact with skin.
- H332 Harmful if inhaled.
- H341 Suspected of causing genetic defects.
- H412 Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Precautionary statements
- P203 Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
- P261 Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
- P264 Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling.
- P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
- P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- P273 Avoid release to the environment.
- P280 Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
- P301+P317 IF SWALLOWED: Get medical help.
- P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.
- P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
- P317 Get medical help.
- P318 If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
- P321 Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instruction on this label).
- P330 Rinse mouth.
- P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
- P405 Store locked up.
- P501 Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local, regional, national and international regulations.
Substance as classified, dilutions may differ.
Questions
Why has our pyrogallol turned brown?
Air oxidises it, so an old jar darkens from grey to brown, faster if it is warm or opened often. It is still harmful and suspected of causing genetic defects. Keep the lid on, keep it locked away and list it for collection.
Does pyrogallol need a locked cabinet in a school?
Yes. It is harmful by all three routes of exposure and suspected of causing genetic defects, so it is held as toxic stock in a locked cabinet with a stock record, away from food areas, acids and oxidisers.
What do we do with an old jar that has no stock record?
Leave it closed in the locked cabinet, note the label and the colour of the contents, and list it for collection. Do not open it to check, and tell the booking team that the record is missing.
