[NHCOLL-L:5953] Re: Solvent to reverse archival microslide mountants

[CSTURMJR at pitt.edu]

What concerns do you have with the health hazards? Xylene's main hazard is
that of a respiratory depressant and a flammable liquid. If you work with
small quantities or in a fume hood, there should be little risk. Good
ventilation will mitigate the risks. If you are removing coverslips, I
don't imagine you will be using large quantities. A small covered dish
into which you can submerge the slide should suffice.


> I have (in vain) been trying to find a less health-&-safety-sensitive
> subtitute for xylene to loosen coverslips on microslides where archival
> mountants such as Canada Balsam and Euparal have oxidised, become
> contaminated  or
> have otherwise darkened.
> I have had cumene suggested (but with no experience) as a possible safer
> subsitute.
> Does anyone have any idea what I might be able to use please?
>
> With all good  wishes, Simon
>
> Simon Moore MIScT, FLS, ACR,
> Conservator of Natural  Sciences,
>
> _www.natural-history-conservation.com_
> (http://www.natural-history-conservation.com/)
> _www.pocket-fruit-knives.info_ (http://www.pocket-fruit-knives.info/)
>
> _http://uk.linkedin.com/in/naturalsciencespecimenconserve_
> (http://uk.linkedin.com/in/naturalsciencespecimenconserve)
>


Regards,
Charlie
.................................................
Charlie Sturm

Treasurer
American Malacological Society

Research Associate - Section of Mollusks
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Associate Professor - Family Medicine
Fellow-American Academy of Family Practice
Fellow-Academy of Wilderness Medicine