Safety Considerations:
• The temperatures of both the reboiler and the components inside are very hot and can cause burns so be cautious around the reboiler. Use proper gloves when collecting samples.
• Ethanol can cause severe eye and skin irritation. It may cause chemical conjunctivitis, corneal damage, and cyanosis of the extremities. When inhaled or ingested, can cause adverse effect on the central nervous system. Prolonged exposure may cause liver, kidney, and heart damage along with adverse prenatal and fetal effects in humans. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
• Ethanol is also both flammable and reactive. Be sure to parafilm the waste container while performing the lab and avoid sparks or open flames.
Environmental Implications:
• Ethanol should be disposed of properly as hazardous waste in the appropriate waste container. Can have environmental implication as animal studies have reported development of tumors and mutagenic effects.