Red lead (CAS 1314-41-6): storage and disposal
Old jars of red lead, the bright orange-red lead pigment, still turn up at the back of school, college and university stores. Few people alive in the department remember buying it. It is classified as harmful if swallowed or inhaled, as able to damage the unborn child and fertility, as damaging organs after repeated exposure, and as very toxic to aquatic life. Legacy status is what makes it awkward.
- CAS number
- 1314-41-6
- Form
- Solid
- Storage class
- Toxic
- Signal word
- Danger
- Usual EWC code
- 16 05 06*
Harmful or irritant
Serious health hazard
Hazardous to the environment
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
With red lead the problem is usually that nobody knows it is there. A legacy jar needs to be identified and recorded, with its condition assessed before any movement. Sound containers belong in locked storage with a stock record and suitable secondary containment. Keep it away from acids, since lead salts and acid are a poor mix, and away from oxidisers on the next shelf. Fine powder on the outside of the jar or on the shelf means it has been handled loosely already. If the original glass has a cracked stopper or a brittle plastic lid, leave the jar undisturbed and report its condition so that the collection specialist can determine suitable containment.
How to tell it has deteriorated
Expect a heavy, bright orange-red powder with an even colour. Anything that departs from that, such as a pale crust, damp lumps or a hard cake at the base, tells you the jar has not been sealed. A split lid, loose powder around the neck and a label that has faded to nothing are the practical warnings, and an unlabelled orange powder in a school store should be recorded as an unidentified lead stock instead of assumed to be ordinary pigment. Red lead gives few other signs as it ages, so the evidence is in the container, not the contents. Do not tip it out to check what is underneath.
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.
Pack a legacy jar as found, in a tray and a sealed outer container, away from acids and oxidisers, and say in the enquiry that it is a lead pigment with no known date of purchase. The record should give the size of the jar, the state of the closure and whether any powder is loose. The code is 16 05 06* in a laboratory pack and 16 05 07* for discarded inorganic stock outside one. It is not for the bin, the sink or any attempt to wash a spill away with water. Request a specialist collection, and the carrier will group it with other lead stock in a compatible lab pack.
| EWC code, laboratory chemicals | 16 05 06* |
|---|---|
| Discarded inorganic chemical, not a laboratory pack | 16 05 07* |
| 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: legacy stock.
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.
- H332 Harmful if inhaled.
- H360Df May damage the unborn child. Suspected of damaging fertility.
- H373 May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.
- H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Substance as classified, dilutions may differ.
Questions
We have an unlabelled orange powder. Could it be red lead?
It could be, but colour alone is not proof. Leave it closed, record where it was found, keep it in a tray and send an enquiry so the contents can be assessed before they are described.
Why is it classified as such a serious hazard?
It carries statements for possible damage to the unborn child and fertility, organ damage after repeated exposure, harm if swallowed or inhaled, and very toxic effects on aquatic life. Handle it only with proper controls and a stock record.
Does red lead go off with age?
It gives few signs. What deteriorates is the container: split lids, powder around the neck, damp lumps and lost labels. Record those conditions on the paperwork.
Can small amounts of spilt powder be wiped up and binned?
No. Spilt powder is still hazardous waste and wiping it dry can spread it. Keep people clear, record the spill and mention it when you request collection.
