Alternatives to Xylene?

Xylene is a widely used chemical found in many laboratories including hospital labs. Though generally used in only small volume it can find its way into the clinical waste stream and has given concern if these wastes are processed by autoclave, though assessment at one busy site showed no detectable xylene in the gaseous emissions. It is an environmental hazard and may be a risk to the health & safety of those who are inadvertently exposed to it in waste.

Nonetheless, finding a safer alternative to xylene is a goal as the chemical is rather nasty and its use in hospital laboratory might be substituted with a safer product.

Xylene is toxic and a possible carcinogen, and also difficult to safely dispose of. There are currently several available alternatives for Xylene:

Americlear

Manufactured by SP, Cardinal Health

Was designed to directly replace Xylene in histology procedures – Americlear contains no Xylene, toluene, or benzene

Is nonflammable and all organic, has low toxicity – vapors may be irritating to eyes, nose, and throat and skin contact may cause irritation. Hazardous in case of ingestion.

Early reports suggest it has no carcinogenic or mutagenic properties

Can recycle via distillation, is insoluble in water so it presents a decreased risk of ecotoxicity

Formula 83

Manufactured by CBG Biotech

Was designed to be a safe substitute to Xylene, claims that Formula 83 is as equally good or better in almost every use as a laboratory solvent.

Xylene is a classified Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP), Formula 83 is HAP-free

Vapors can be irritating to mucous membranes, hazardous in case of skin contact, slightly hazardous in case of ingestion.

No data on carcinogenetic or mutagenic effects

Formula 83 is more flammable than Xylene – has a flash point of only 7 degrees Fahrenheit, compared to the 78 flash point of Xylene

Clear-Rite

Manufactured by Richard Allan Scientific

Specifically designed to be a safer alternative to Xylene use

Is less toxic than Xylene and benzene free, however still classified as a hazardous waste (due to flammability)

Hazardous in case of skin contact, eye contact, inhalation, or ingestion.

No data on carcinogenetic or mutagenic effects

Seems most optimal for high quantity use – produces similar quality slides, however may be considered more difficult to work with because it would require alternative experimental procedures or equipment.

May be more expensive in some scenarios

Hazardous to aquatic environments and groundwater if not properly disposed of.

ProPar Clearant

Manufactured by Anatech

Hazardous in case of eye contact, skin contact, ingestion, and inhalation.

No evidence of carcinogenicity, no data on mutagenicity.

Less flammable than Xylene, has a higher flashpoint of 104 degree Fahrenheit

Is recycable.

Histosolve

Manufactured by Shandon

Claims to have less immediate toxicity than Xylene and produces the same quality slides

Slightly hazardous in case of eye contact, skin contact, ingestion, and inhalation. Repeated exposure may cause lung or central nervous system damage.

Studies suggest it may have carcinogenic effects, may have mutagenic effects.

Uses the same procedures as Xylene, may be an easier transition than other alternative products however may still require some changes in laboratory equipment.

Classified as a hazardous waste (due to flammability)

May be more expensive in some scenarios

 

 

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