CLPEX Chat Board

I have done a little testing of RTX on various substrates. It purports to work on human skin, which is particularly interesting to my department. The person who invented it says it is not toxic, but the MSDS says toxicity has not been tested and things like: “Use appropriate procedures to prevent opportunities for direct contact with the skin….” Under first aid, “Flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical attention.” Under Personal Protective Equipment – Skin, “Wear appropriate protective gloves and clothing to prevent skin exposure.” (Here's a link to the actual MSDS: http://www.oninonin.com/rtx/rtx_msds_2007jul08.pdf)

Does anyone have any insight into whether this is safe to test or use on live human skin?

Todd M. Masula
Evidence Technician II
Wyoming (MI) PD

Isn't that what trainees are for?

Of course that's what trainees are for. We use them to test all of our chemicals for toxicity. They're cheaper than lab rats and nobody gets attached to them.

As an alternative to trainees, you might want to check with your nearest anatomical gift society (where the med schools get their cadavers) to see if they could give you some skin for experimenting.

Fischer Scientific has two sources for the Ruthenium tetroxide. The Acros Chemical MSDS is similar to that found in your previous link. However, the Electron Microscopy Services description is slightly different:

http://www.emsdiasum.com/microscopy/tec ... 20700.aspx

The solvents (HFE's) are essentially non-toxic, according to various sources (Google the CAS numbers to check for yourself).

I don't think I'd put it on my skin, but if you have trainees...

No, No, No, No NEVER USE TRAINEES.

Always use Interns. They are cheaper than trainees.

Crap...have to go stop my trainee right now...luckily, we have an intern...