Faculty and Staff

How to Handle Suspect Human Carcinogens

Last updated August 31, 2009 5:05:48 PM PDT
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You must follow these procedures when handling substances listed by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) as "Reasonably Anticipated to Be Human Carcinogens." (PDF)

In the right place? If you're handling known carcinogens, see How to Handle Known Human Carcinogens.

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Follow all appropriate procedures.

If the work involves animal subjects, read Animal Experiments Using Known or Suspect Carcinogens, then follow the steps below.

Follow these training guidelines.

A principal investigator (PI) or a knowledgeable designee must provide appropriate safety training.

  • Inform employees about handling the drug or chemical, its physical properties (including solubility), and health effects seen in experimental studies and other applicable sources.
    • Review toxicological data from similar compounds if toxicological information is limited.
  • Explain possible routes of exposure, as appropriate:
    • Inhalation
    • Skin absorption
    • Accidental injection
  • Provide and train employees in the proper use of personal protective equipment and engineering controls to prevent exposure.

Wear personal protective equipment.

  • Wear safety glasses.
  • Protect your hands and forearms by wearing non-powdered gloves and a lab coat to avoid skin contact. Do not expose skin between your gloves and forearms.
  • Wash your hands and arms immediately after working with the substance.

Protect your respiratory system.

Use appropriate containment if aerosols may be created during the work, or if the substance is volatile.

  • Perform the work inside a chemical fume hood or other suitable containment device, such as a glove box.
  • If vapors will be released from the apparatus, attach a trap, filter, or condenser as appropriate.

Minimize the risk of spill and exposure by following these work area precautions.

  • Restrict access to the work area.
  • Keep container sizes and quantities in the work area as small as possible.
  • Line work surfaces with removable plastic-backed absorbent paper.
  • Double-contain suspect carcinogens in chemical-resistant trays. Contain lab instruments within pans or trays to contain spills.

Dispose of hazardous waste properly.

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For more information, contact an EH&S Research Assistance Program specialist.

Notice: Disposal of hazardous waste using sinks, intentional evaporation, or as regular trash is against the law. Campus laboratories must abide by strict state and federal waste disposal requirements. You may be held liable for violations of applicable laws.