Date sent:      	Mon, 29 Oct 2001 14:54:48 -0800 (PST)
From:           	"P. Emry" 
Subject:        	fix smell
To:             	HistoNet@pathology.swmed.edu

> I have been using a fix ...a commercial formalyn substitute..that makes
> several of us in the lab feel ill.  I talked to the company and was told I
> didn't know what I was talking about....smell, it has no smell.
 Trisha, the fact that you can smell this "fixative" and it is making 
you ill is a worry and suggests that you ventilation system is 
unable to cope! Any fixative by virtue of its action must be at least 
hazardous and if it does the job that we expect then it is likely to 
be harmful or even toxic!
You should have a MSDS with this material and although they may 
not disclose the exact formula they must disclose any potentially 
harmful chemicals or combination.
Trust YOUR nose, not the company (they may be insensitive to it) 
and get your ventilation checked.
Terry.
Terry Hacker,
Head of Histopathology and Electron Microscopy
Medical Research Council,
Harwell,
Didcot,
Oxfordshire, OX11 ORD
01235 824521
Fax 01235 834776
e-mail t.hacker@har.mrc.ac.uk