Environmental Health & Safety

Laboratory Safety Sub Committee

HARVARD UNIVERSITY SAFETY ALERT

Ref.: Prudent Practices; Sigma-Aldrich MSDS for diethyl ether; Harvard CHP.

DIETHYL ETHER

[CAS # 60-29-7]

(Permissible Exposure Limit over 8hr. Time weighted Average=400 ppm;

Short Term Exposure Limit=500 ppm.; Odor Threshold=0.2 ppm.)

Several of our laboratories use diethyl ether (1,1'-oxybis-ethane; ethyl ether; ether). With an odor threshold well below exposure limits, it has good warning properties. Both highly volatile and highly flammable, ether should be used in a fume hood and be kept well away from flames or sparking devices. Perhaps its most hazardous property is that it readily forms explosive peroxides on exposure to air; consequently, opened bottles of diethyl ether, even those containing an oxidation inhibitor such as BHT, should not be kept more than a few months (when in doubt, peroxide-detecting dipsticks are available in the Biolabs Stockroom). A possible mutagen, ether is moderately toxic if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Nitrile gloves offer the best protection against exposure to ether; second choices are Neoprene and high-grade PVC. Goggles and lab coats should also always be worn when working with ether or ether solutions. As with all laboratory chemicals, do not mouth pipet ether solutions and be sure that such solutions are clearly labeled. It should be stored in a cool place, preferably in an explosion-proof refrigerator.

Symptoms of exposure may include coughing, chest pains, difficulty in breathing, nausea, headache and vomiting. In case of exposure by inhalation, remove to fresh air, then call UHS, or, if breathing is difficult, call the Harvard Police for immediate medical attention. For eye or skin exposure, immediately flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and get medical attention. In case of ingestion, wash out mouth with water provided person is conscious, then call the Harvard Police for immediate medical attention.

As with all accidents, report any exposure as soon as possible to your Lab Supervisor and Lab Director.

Dispose of ether properly, depending on other chemicals or isotopes present.

If you have any questions or concerns about the use of ether in your lab, please call the Safety Office to arrange for additional safety information or a workplace evaluation.

Phone Numbers
Office	Days	Nights,Weekends
POLICE	5-1212	5-1212
UNIV. HEALTH SERVICES	5-5711	5-5711
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY	5-2852	5-5560
CMB SAFETY OFFICE	5-7767	5-5560
CMB DIRECTOR'S OFFICE	5-2302	5-5560