Hazard Alert - Ethidium Bromide Disposal

Ethidium Bromide is normally used in small quantities and can be removed from solution using activated charcoal in commercially available ‘Tea’ Bags.

Previously deactivation with bleach was recommended. The new method is equally as effective, but does not include the risks associated with the bleach method.

Preparation (liquid waste)

• Accumulated liquid waste should be stored safely before deactivation
• Store in a large pre-cleaned winchester/flask
• Label the flask appropriately
• Keep a clear record of the amount of EtBr in the solution

Deactivation – using ‘Tea’ Bags

• Wear protective gloves, lab coat and goggles
• Place one ‘Tea’ Bag into the Ethidium Bromide solution (check manufacturer's instructions for how many bags to add for your volume of EtBr in solution).
• Allow to sit for the allotted time – instructions on ‘Tea’ Bag kit.
• Pour filtrate down the drain.
• Dispose of the used bag with biohazardous waste for incineration.

See a list of suppliers below

After Deactivation

After deactivation check for satisfactory decontamination of the solution by adding some DNA to a sample, waiting 15 minutes then checking for fluorescence under a UV light. If fluorescence occurs the solution requires further decontamination.

‘Tea’ Bags MUST NOT be disposed of with normal waste. They MUST go for incineration.

Disposal of Electrophoresis Gels

Gels MUST be incinerated with biohazard waste. It is best to do this as soon as possible after use. If Gels are left for too long the Ethidium Bromide could dry out to a powder.

Solid Ethidium Bromide waste

Solid Ethidium Bromide should always be handled in a fume cupboard.  Waste should be dissolved in water before deactivation as liquid waste following the method above.

Note!  Ethidium Bromide as a powder is much more hazardous than in solution or gel. Buy solutions when possible and always read the MSDS very carefully.

Hazards and controls for working with Ethidium Bromide solution or gel:

'Tea' Bag Suppliers

Amresco Destaining Bags E732, $72.10 per 25, distributed by Astral Scientific.

AMRESCO offers Destaining Bags to remove Ethidium Bromide from solution during overnight treatment. Each bag extracts up to 5 mg of Ethidium Bromide from solution.

Green Bag® Kits are manufactured by BIO 101, distributed through Mp Biomedicals to Australian Biosearch.  One kit has the capacity to remove 500 mg of Ethidium Bromide from solutions (10mg EtBr/bag).

Other bags may be available. Safety and Health do not necessarily recommend those listed above - they are simply a few known suppliers to help you.

Handling of chemicals must be carried out with great care. Obtain and read the manufacturer's material safety data sheet (MSDS) for every chemical used

• Find out beforehand the correct treatment, in the case of an accident, for the harmful effects of hazardous materials
• Use the minimum amount of any chemical and if there is a choice, use the least toxic or least flammable substances (consider EZ-VISION from Amresco or SYBER Safe by Invitrogen)
• Use correct handling methods, protective devices and clothing required for the particular substance (gloves, lab coat, eye protection)
• Clearly label all containers and include a 'mutagen' warning label. Always carry out correct storage and disposal procedures
• Lock scheduled drugs and poisons in a cupboard
• Wash hands after handling chemicals.