Larry,

Not trying to sell anyone's product, however a word of caution about using 
"industrial" chemicals for first aid.  Our site policy for phenol dermal ex
posure is to use a pharmaceutical grade of PEG 300.  As an example, BASF's 
Lutrol(r) E 300, is what is specified in my Phenol SOP.  You may want to ch
eck with your legal advisors regarding non-pharma grade PEG products.

Good luck,

Donna Majewski
EHS Regional Manager
Great Lakes Chemical Corporation
(a Chemtura company)
1801 US Hwy 52 West
West Lafayette, IN 47906
Ph: 765-497-6254
Fax: 765-497-5995

-----Original Message-----
From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**list.uvm.edu] On Behalf Of La
rry D. McLouth
Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 2010 3:11 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Shelf Life of PEG 400 used for Phenol First Aid Treatmen
t

We're developing first aid procedures for phenol and phenol/chloroform.  
This involves decontaminating affected areas with polyethylene glycol 
(400 MW) instead of water.  Flushing with water may spread phenol to 
other parts of the body.

Because of its expense, we plan to buy larger quantities of PEG 400 and 
repackage it into 1 L nalgene bottles.  This, along with other supplies 
(gauze pads, gloves, disposable coveralls - for modesty, etc.) will be 
put in light tight buckets.  The buckets will be stored in labs at room 
temperature.

My question is about the shelf life of the PEG after it has been opened 
and repackaged.  Chemical suppliers report shelf lives from 1 to 2 
years.  But I believe this applies to PEG intended for manufacturing and 
research applications. 

Does anyone have experience with the use of PEG 400 for 1st aid 
treatment who can recommend a shelf life?  Literature citations (if they 
exist) would be much appreciated.

Regards
Larry

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