Download DO NOT Mix Bleach with Biological Materials in Trizol or Similar

DO NOT Mix Bleach with Biological Materials in Trizol
or Similar Reagents
This update addresses the risks involved in mixing incompatible chemicals containing
biological materials.
Recent incidents involving the use of bleach (sodium hypochlorite) to decontaminate liquid
biowaste which contain Trizol and/or similar reagents have led to the generation of toxic
fumes and potential exposure to researchers in the laboratory.
As biological materials are already inactivated by Trizol and other cell-lysis related reagents
(i.e. DNAzol, RNAzol or Tri-reagent, etc.), there is NO need to also decontaminate them with
bleach. This kind of chemical-containing biological waste should be disposed as chemical
waste directly.
The additional step using bleach is a dangerous, unnecessary practice. Trizol and related
chemical reagents contain guanidine hydrochloride or other acidic solutions such as those
found in Qiagen kits are not compatible with bleach and should be disposed of as chemical
waste. Therefore, NEVER mix bleach with trizol or other incompatible chemicals. For more
information, please click here or consult the applicable safety data sheet.
When working with Trizol and/or similar chemical reagents while purifying nucleic acids,
always work in a chemical fume hood and wear lab coat, disposable gloves, and eye
protection.
Please discuss with and/or advise all researchers at your laboratory meetings to 1) NOT mix
bleach with Trizol and/or other incompatible chemicals, 2) Always handle chemicals in a
chemical fume hood and 3) Dispose of Trizol and/or other chemical-containing biological
materials directly as chemical waste.
Contact your designated EH&S Specialist or the Biosafety Officer for more information.