STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS
5-FU – 5-fluorouracil
PROCEDURE / PROCESS
CHEMICAL NAME(S)
and associated
PHYSICAL and HEALTH
HAZARDS
NAME OF TRAINER /
RESOURCE PERSON
LOCATION OF HEALTH &
SAFETY INFORMATION
PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT
WASTE DISPOSAL
PROCEDURES
Administration of 5-FU to mice by i.p. injection at 150 mg/kg; treated mice will
be euthanized 4 days post injection.
Although literature from studies with 5-FU indicate it and its metabolites are
rapidly excreted in the urine within four hours, the precautionary measures
outlined in this SOP will be followed for treated animals until they are
euthanized.
5-FU – 5-fluorouracil, CAS 51-21-8, also known as 5-Fluoro-2,4(1H,3H)pyrimidinedione.
5-Fluorouracil is hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant), of ingestion or in
case of inhalation. Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (permeator), of
eye contact (irritant). Severe over-exposure can result in death.
The substance is toxic to blood. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the
substance can produce target organs damage. Reproductive toxin.
ORAL (LD50): Acute: 230 mg/kg [Rat]. 115 mg/kg [Mouse].
Grant Trobridge, Office: PBS 319, Phone: 368-6564
MSDS for 5-FU is located in the Laboratory Safety Manual located in PBS
330
Labeling: Containers with 5-FU shall either have original warning label
affixed or a label identifying the contents and hazards.
Animal Cages: Animals injected with 5-FU shall be identified with signs or
cards placed on the cages with treated mice. The sign or cage card must
have the date of administration, appropriate hazard warning symbol (see
above) and/or state: “Caution: these mice treated with 5-FU.”
Concentrated 5-FU: use and handling (including dispensing or weighing) to
be done within the confines of a certified laboratory fume hood while wearing
chemical resistant rubber gloves and lab coat.
Animals treated with 5-FU: 5-FU treated mice to be housed in micro-isolator
cages. Handling of treated animals shall be conducted within the confines of
a certified biosafety cabinet or fume hood while wearing rubber gloves and
lab coat.
Bedding material contaminated with 5-FU: Cages shall be emptied in a
ventilated cage dumping station by individuals wearing chemical resistant
rubber gloves and lab coat.
Always wash hands after any of the above activities.
Concentrated 5-FU: waste 5-FU must be in an airtight compatible container,
labeled with a completed Dangerous Waste label, accompanied with
completed Chemical Collection Request Form, and held until picked up by
EH&S.
Animals treated with 5-FU: place carcasses in lined biohazard box and
incinerate as medical waste.
Bedding material contaminated with 5-FU: are not subject to hazardous
waste requirements but still should be disposed by methods which prevent
individuals handling waste from subsequent contact. Place contaminated
bedding materials or any waste that has been in contact with 5-FU in lined
biohazard box and incinerate as pathological waste.
DESIGNATED AREA
INFORMATION
DECONTAMINATION
PROCEDURES
Concentrated 5-FU is stored on a shelf which has been demarcated
accordingly in PBS 330. Only individuals trained in the safe handling and use
of 5-FU are allowed access. Use and handling (including dispensing or
weighing) to be done within the confines of a certified laboratory fume hood.
Animals treated with 5-FU: treated mice are to be located in a secured
animal room in the Spokane vivarium.
Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. Wash thoroughly after handling.
Upon Accidental Exposure: for eye or skin contact, flush eyes or skin with
copious amounts of water; for accidental inhalation or ingestion, immediately
seek medical attention and follow instructions on MSDS.
Upon Accidental Release: If significant amounts of concentrated 5-FU are
released outside the fume hood, immediately evacuate and secure area and
contact EH&S. If a small amount of concentrated material is released, wear
chemical resistant rubber gloves, chemical splash goggles, lab coat and
either a half mask air purifying or powered air purifying respirator (PAPR)
respirator equipped with HEPA filters, spray spill with water to prevent powder
from becoming airborne, absorb and remove to appropriate containers, and
dispose of as hazardous waste (see above WASTE DISPOSAL
PROCEDURES).
Revision Date: 04/2011