UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Nitrogen mustard hydrochloride
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☐ Process
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☒Hazardous Chemical
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Purpose
Nitrogen mustard hydrochloride (also known as mechlorethamine hydrochloride) may be fatal if ingested or
absorbed through the skin and may be harmful if inhaled. It causes burns by all exposure routes. It is a
suspected carcinogen and reproductive toxicant according to California Prop 65. Nitrogen mustard
hydrochloride is an alkylating antineoplastic agent used to treat Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma,
chronic lymphocytic leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, lung cancer, polycythemia vera, mycosis
fungoides, and malignant effusions.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 55-86-7
Class: Highly toxic by ingestion and skin absorption, carcinogen, reproductive toxicant, teratogen,
mutagen, corrosive , irritant, target organ effect
Molecular Formula: C5H11Cl2N · HCl
Form (physical state): Solid
Color: White, beige
Nitrogen mustard hydrochloride
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Boiling point: Unknown
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Nitrogen mustard hydrochloride may be fatal if ingested or absorbed through the skin and may be harmful if
inhaled. It has a very low LD50 of 10 mg/kg in rats. It causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Material is
extremely destructive to the tissue of the mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract. It may cause
cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Symptoms of exposure include coughing, shortness of
breath, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, itching, blistering, hyperpigmentation, anorexia, jaundice, and
bone marrow suppression. Prolonged or repeated exposure may produce target organ damage to bone
marrow, immune system, blood, central nervous system, ears, and reproductive system.
Engineering Controls
Work with this chemical in a certified ducted fume hood. Facilities storing or utilizing this material should be
equipped with an eyewash facility and a safety shower.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Respirator Protection
If lab personnel would like to use respirator on a voluntary basis, they must be trained and fit-tested by
EH&S. This is a regulatory requirement. (http://www.ehs.ucsf.edu/respiratory-protection-program)
Hand Protection
Handle with nitrile or chloroprene gloves. Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal
technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of
contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and
dry hands.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with nitrogen mustard hydrochloride.
Refer to glove selection chart from the links below:
http://www.ansellpro.com/download/Ansell_8thEditionChemicalResistanceGuide.pdf
OR
http://www.allsafetyproducts.biz/page/74172
OR
http://www.showabestglove.com/site/default.aspx
OR
http://www.mapaglove.com/
Eye Protection
ANSI approved safety glasses or goggles. Face shield is also recommended.
Skin and Body Protection
Lab coats should be worn. These laboratory coats must be appropriately sized for the individual and be
buttoned to their full length. Laboratory coat sleeves must be of a sufficient length to prevent skin exposure
while wearing gloves. Full length pants and close-toed shoes must be worn at all times by all individuals that
are occupying the laboratory area. The area of skin between the shoe and ankle should not be exposed.
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Hygiene Measures
Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling the
product.
First Aid Procedures
If inhaled
Move person into fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact
Wash off immediately with soap and plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated
clothing and shoes. Take victim immediately to hospital. Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact
Flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes lifting upper and lower eyelids and removing contact
lenses. Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital. Consult a physician.
If swallowed
Do not induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
Precautions for safe handling: Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid inhalation and ingestion. Avoid dust
formation. Ensure normal measures for preventative fire protection.
Conditions for safe storage: Store in secondary containment with “cancer hazard,” “reproductive toxin,” and
“acute toxin” labels on the primary container, secondary containment and the storage location. Keep
containers tightly closed in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated place. Protect from moisture. Hygroscopic. Avoid
strong oxidizing agents.
Spill and Accident Procedure
Chemical Spill Dial 9-911 from campus phone or 415-476-1414 from cell phone or 415-2068522 (SFGH only)
Spill – Assess the extent of danger. Assist contaminated or injured persons. Evacuate the spill area.
Avoid breathing vapors. If possible, confine the spill to a small area using a spill kit or absorbent
material. Keep others from entering contaminated area (e.g., use caution tape, barriers, etc.).
Small (<1 L) – If you have training, you may assist in the clean-up effort. Use appropriate personal
protective equipment and clean-up material for chemical spilled. Double bag spill waste in clear
plastic bags, label and take to the next chemical waste pick-up.
Large (>1 L) – Dial 9-911 from campus phone or 415-476-1414 from cell phone or 415-2068522 (SFGH only) for assistance.
Chemical Spill on Body or Clothes – Remove clothing and rinse body thoroughly in emergency
shower for at least 15 minutes. If discomfort persists, proceed to the Emergency Department. If no
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
further discomfort is experienced, have the SDS ready and contact Poison Control Hotline at 1-800222-1222 for further exposure information. Notify your direct supervisor and EH&S at 415-4761300 during work hours, or 9-911 during non-working hours and weekends.
Chemical Splash Into Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water for
15 minutes by forcibly holding the eye open. If discomfort persists, proceed to the Emergency
Department. If no further discomfort is experienced, have the SDS ready and contact Poison
Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 for further exposure information. Notify your direct
supervisor and EH&S at 415-476-1300 during work hours, or 9-911 during non-working
hours and weekends.
Medical Emergency Dial 9-911 (campus phone) or 476-6911 (cell phone)
Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at 415-476-1300 within 8 hours.
Non-Life Threatening Emergency– Go to Occupational Health Programs (OHP) Clinic, 415-8857580, 2330 Post Street, Suite 460 Hours of Operation for Appointments: Monday - Friday
7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (except Holidays).
Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at 415-476-1300 within 8 hours.
Needle stick/puncture exposure (as applicable to chemical handling procedure) – Wash the
affected area with antiseptic soap and warm water for 15 minutes. For mucous membrane
exposure, flush the affected area for 15 minutes using an eyewash station. Page the needle stick
nurse by dialing 415-353-7842 (STIC).
Decontamination/Waste Disposal Procedure
Clean contaminated surfaces with soap and water and paper towels. Dispose of the paper towels as
hazardous waste.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Location
Online SDS can be accessed at http://www.ehs.ucsf.edu/safety-data-sheet-sds-1
Protocol/Procedure
Quantities covered by this SOP:
______ (g , ml) to _______ (g, ml)
Temperature range covered by this SOP:
__ °C – __ °C
General Overview and Purpose:
Enter the experimental purpose
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Procedure:
Enter experimental procedure. You can copy procedure from your lab notebook or from literature.
NOTE
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from the Principal Investigator.
Nitrogen mustard hydrochloride
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)