Water-Reactive Chemicals

Characteristics

- exhibits a reaction with water, possibly a violent one

Protection Required

- store in safe containers and racks away from water

- total cover for skin where exposure is possible using the appropriate protective gear

- availability of self-contained air supply in places where fumes may be generated

Hazardous Effects

- evolves toxic, explosive, or corrosive fumes upon contact with water

- can result in explosion if the reaction is forced to confinement

First Aid Treatment

- for exposures, continuously flush with large amounts of running water

- for inhalations, immediately evacuate person to open areas with large amounts of fresh air

Example

Alkali metals such as Cesium - used in semiconductor-metal interface studies

Organic Solvents

Characteristics

- generally flammable

- most are volatile

Protection Required

- protective gear for eyes and hand where exposure is possible

Hazardous Effects

- can generate fumes that are highly toxic when heated or burned

- exposure can cause skin dehydration

- prolonged exposure can damage tissue

First Aid Treatment

- for exposures, continuously flush with large amounts of running water

- for inhalations, immediately evacuate person to open areas with large amounts of fresh air

Examples

1) Acetone (CH₃COCH₃) - used for cleaning, rinsing and drying purposes 

2) Isopropyl Alcohol ((CH₃)₂CHOH) - used for cleaning, rinsing, drying purposes

3)  Ethylene glycol (C₂H₄(OH)₂) - used in place of water for etches that require selectivity