SDMS DOCID# 1138593

Northern Marianas College P.O. Box 501250 • Saipan, MP 96950 U.S.A. • Phone: (670) 234-5498

Fax:: (670) 234-0759 • Web Site: www.nmcnet.edu

From: Dr. Patrizia Lemma-Gray To: Dean Barbara M. Merfalen, Dr. Alfredo De Torres Cc: Mr. Johnemil A. Sarlo, Mrs. Florita Cabanes, Mr. John Guerrero Subject: Identification of Unknown Chemical Substances in Room B3-SMHA, Northern

Marianas College

Final Report 14-26 Nov 2011 -Work conducted by Dr. Patrizia Lemma-Gray and Mr. Johnemil A. Sarlo 28 Nov-30 Dec 2011- Work completed by Dr. Patrizia Lemma-Gray

Based on observation and/or extensive testing of the samples ofunknown substances inventoried by GRESCO Environmental, 49 were identified, 2 were tentatively identified (samples no. 7 and 44), 2 were empty containers (samples no. 5 and 51), 3 remain unidentified (samples no. 10, 55 and 59), and 11 could not be located (samples no. 3, 26, 32, 60-67). The crystals deposited in the fume hood were collected and analyzed, but were not identified (sample no. 68). Four additional unlabeled containers that could not be matched to any of the inventoried items were also found in Room 83, and analyzed. Two of these samples were identified (no. 69 and 70), and two were tentatively identified (samples no. 71 and 72) (see tables 1 and 2). Please note that an accurate count of the items inventoried by GRESCO environmental reveals that some of the items whose identity was unknown were not labeled ''Unknown." For example, items no. 25, 57 and 58 were listed as "A" in the GRESCO inventory, because their container was labeled "A," and therefore they were not counted as unknowns. Furthermore, one of the listed unknowns actually consisted of 5 different unknowns (items no.· 6-1 0). Therefore, 67 unknowns - not 62 -- were actually listed in the inventory, and were analyzed for identification. Each unknown label listed in Table 1 has been matched to the corresponding item listed in the inventory prepared by GRESCO Environmental (see "GRESCO Inventory'' attachment).

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Hazardous chemical waste produced during the analysis was collected in glass jars/bottles, and properly labeled for future disposal by a qualified agency. Each label displays the approximate percent chemical composition of the waste. Several of the identified unknowns contain crystals, microbial growth, or are of unknown concentration, and have to be disposed of. Most of them are also hazardous waste, and have been collected in glass jars/bottles for disposal. Solutions of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide were neutralized, respectively, using sodium bicarbonate and acetic acid; they were then disposed of in the sink with plenty of water. All other disposable liquids and solids were placed aside awaiting for inspection by an EPA representative, as advised by Dr. De Torres. In the fume hood, there is a 1-gal, highly corroded metal container of nitric acid. It must be disposed of as hazardous waste. There is also a 1-L glass bottle with glass stopper that contains

A Land Grant Institution accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Comm_un_ity and Junior Colleges and by the Senior Commission for Colleges and Universities of the Western Association for Schools and Colleges

an unknown acid; the neck of the bottle is cracked and the stopper could not be removed, therefore the solution could not be analyzed. On the bottom shelf of the fume hood, there are several old jars of agar. They should be autoclaved and, after cooling, they should be disposed of in the trash.

Safety Concerns

In the acid cabinet, on the bottom shelf, there is a capped 1-L bottle with an unreadable label. This bottle was not listed in the inventory prepared by GRESCO Environmental. There are residual white crystals around the cap, and all around the bottle there is a spread of crystals that probably fell off the cap (see "Pictures" attachment). Formation of crystals around the cap could be indicative of formation of dangerous peroxides. It might be very dangerous to handle this container, as some peroxides can explode due to physical shock. Even attrition caused by unscrewing the bottle cap could cause an explosion. This container must be disposed of. Consult with EPA as to how to proceed in handling this unknown chemical.

Several 1-gal bottles of acetone and methanol are stored in the wooden cabinets located beneath one of the laboratory workbenches (see "Pictures" attachment). These bottles were not inventoried by GRESCO Environmental. As acetone is highly volatile and flammable, and methanol is toxic, these bottles must be stored in an area separate from the classroom. Some of the bottles are sealed, and yet, they are not full, probably due to slow evaporation of the solvent over a long period of time.

A large block of copper sulfate pentahydrate was fotmd stored in a large plastic bag. It should be stored in a sealed container, but as the substance has solidified in a single clump, it must be disposed of(see "Pictures" attachment).

Room B3 remains unserviceable, unless the fume hood area is temporarily closed off. There is still a strong chemical smell in the room, and if I enter it without wearing a gas mask, even for just a few minutes, I develop chest pain, throat irritation, cough, and the cough persists for more than an hour after leaving the room. I had complained about the chemical smell when I first joined the NMC Science Department, on Aug 2010. I was the only ins_truc~or con4~~liilg_~~s~s_ __ · - wom- B3. r-was expenencmg tlie same symptoms, and had expressed concern about the suspicious crystals deposited in the fume hood. At the time, I was told that hiring a qualified party to clean up the area would be unfeasible because of the expense. Thus, a wooden panel was used to close off.the fume hood area The problem was solved. Later, during the Spring semester 2011, the panel was removed by people unaware of the situation, and that is when I started experiencing the same symptoms. This time, Mrs. Florita Cabanes, who had joined the NMC Science Department on January 2011 and had also been conducting her classes in the same room, experienced the same symptoms I was experiencing, and some of the students also complained of feeling ill. Then Room B3 was finally deemed unsuitable for instruction. I suggest that until the fume hood area can be cleared of all unnecessary chemicals and thoroughly cleaned, it should be closed off using the wooden panel. This could be an effective solution for reclaiming use of room B3 for instruction, this upcoming Spring semester. The fume hood has been somewhat cleaned (see "Pictures" attachment), but is currently non functional,

and it should be inspected for possible needed repairs. Formation of new crystals has been observed inside it. Please, advise maintenance personnel as to the importance of keeping the exhaust fans in rooms B3 and adjacent room B4 turned on at all times; it is very important that the fumes originating from bottles of organic solvents and acids be cleared by the exhaust fans.

Hazardous Waste

• 1-gal rusty can of nitric acid • 500-mL glass bottle with glass stopper containing unknown acid; neck of bottle is

cracked (item no. 59) • 1-L bottle of unknown with crystal formation around cap and base ofbottle • Large block of copper sulfate pentahydrate in plastic bag • Inorganic waste ofknown composition in 2xl-L glass jars, 4x500-m.L glass jars, 1x500-

mL glass bottle, and 1x300-m.L glass bottle • Inorganic waste of unknown composition' in 1-gal glass bottle • Organic waste ofunknown composition in 1-gal glass bottle • 1-gal plastic bottle containing broken mercury thermometer • Glass jar containing broken glass pipettes contaminated with cobalt chloride • Three 50-m.L Erlenmeyer flasks containing respectively copper sulfate, nickel chloride,

and copper chloride (items no. 6, 7 and 9) • · 125-mL plastic bottle containing potassium dichromate residue • Glass jar containing small plastic container with broken cap, which contains a copper

chloride solution (item no. 48) • 2 test tubes containing potassium dichromate residue (items no. 24 and 25) • I test tube containing cobalt chloride (item no. 23) • 1 small glass vial with screw-cap containing nickel chloride crystals collected from one

of the shelveS used to store chemical powders • 1 test tube containing boric acid • I large test tube containing a solution of potassium dichromate and a phase of unknown

organic solvent (item no. 11) • 4 plastic containers of unknown crystals collected from_the fume hg_od_in_room B3_

- --- (posst61y a sriftate-hydrate compound) (item no. 68) • 1 glass bottle with plastic cap containing breakdown product of phenolphthalein • 2x50-mL Erlenmeyer flasks containing breakdown product of phenolphthalein (items no.

49 and 50) • lx1-L glass jar containing a phosphate solution with a large amount of precipitate (item

no. 71)

Tables

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Table 1. Unknowns Analyzed

No. Unknown Confirmed Identity I Proper Handling & Comm~nts

Label Common Name Chemical Formula Disposal Red-purple li~uid in Labeled and stored.

1 lG Carbol-fuchsin C2Jl26C1N30 25-mL plastic ~ottle with cap, labefed

• I "carcofuchsm.r• Dense, clear, colorless Labeled and stored.

2 lE Mineral Oil liquid in small\ bottle with glass dropper.

i

[This item could not be i

3 IH I

I located]

I Dark blue liquid in Labeled and stored.

4 lF Methylene Blue C16H18N3SCl small bottle witlt glass dropper. I Small capped 1,25-mL Discarded.

5 lA [Empty container] plastic bottle. i I I I

Clear, royal blue Hazardous waste.

6 lB-blue Copper Sulfate

CuS04 · 5Hz0 (aq) solution in 50-fuL

Pentahydrate Solution Erlenmeyer flask. I I

Green liquid in\50-mL Hazardous waste; avoid

7 IB-green Probably Nickel Chloride

NiCh Erlenmeyer flask. release to the

Solution .I environment.

Sodium Pink liquid in SO~mL Neutralized with acetic

8 lB-pink Hydroxide+ Phenolphthalein NaOH!Phenolphthalein Erlenmeyer tlcclk. acid and flushed down

Solution (aq) the sink with plenty of

water. -- -- --· -

No. Unknown Confirmed Identity l Proper Handling & Label Common Name Chemical Formula Comm~nts Disposal

Copper Chloride Solution Yellow liquidjin 50-mL Hazardous waste; avoid 9 lB-yellow probably in isopropyl CuCh in C3H10H Erlenmeyer flf k. release to the

alcohol environment. Peach-colored liquid in

10 lB-peach [Unidentified] 50-mL Erlenmeyer flask. I

Potassium Dichromate Orange solution in Hazardous waste; avoid Solution with Unkown K2Cr201 (aq)

I release to the 11 1C large 50-mL t~st tube

Organic Solvent Phase with rubber stepper. environment.

12 2M-b Water H20 Clear, colorless liquid in 1-L squirt hPttle.

13 2M-a Decolorizer (Ethanol-

C2HsOH with OC(CH3)2 Clear, colorless liquid Labeled and stored.

Acetone Mixture) in 250-mL sqili.rt bottle. 14 2Q-a Boiling Chips White stones 41 ajar. Labeled and stored.

15 2Q-b Boiling Chips White crystals lin a Labeled and stored. plastic bag. Clear, colorless Discarded. solution in smMt

16 28 Water and soil sample capped plastic I container; small deposits of di~ at bottom of container. Reddish soil m'ixture in Discarded.

17 21 Soil sample small capped plastic • I

container. 1

Brownish soil ~e Discarded. 18 2H Soil sample in small cappe plastic

container. ] Off-white pow?er in Labeled and stored.

19 2J Baking Soda NaHC03(s) capped plastic storage container. I

No. Unknown Confirmed Identity Comments

Proper Handling & Label Common Name Chemical Formula I Disposal

' Blue crysta!Te solid in Labeled and stored.

20 2L Copper Sulfate

CuS04 · SH20 (s) capp~d plasti storage

Pentahydrate contamer.

Purple solution with Labeled and stored.

21 Cobalt Chloride (s) CoCh (s) crystals in a dapped

2K plastic contaf er.

Clear, colorless liquid Labeled and stored.

22 2P Acetic Acid Solution CH3COOH (aq) in capped roJnd-bottom flask. \

I

Purple liquidj(>SO% is Hazardous waste; avoid crystallized) tn a test release to the

23 AB Cobalt Chloride CoCh (s)+-+(1) tube labeled 'lAB" with environment. a loose plastib cap.

I Orange powder in test Stored in screw-cap glass

24 Bl HCl-J/R Potassium Dichromate K2Cr201 (s) tube. vial, properly labeled.

Orange powder in test Stored in screw-cap glass I

25 A Potassium Dichromate K2Cr201 (s) tube. 1 vial, properly labeled.

I

I I

[This item could not be I 26 H

located] I

White stones rn a Labeled and stored. 27 2T Boiling Chips plastic bottle.

L-_ - - -

I

No. Unknown Confirmed Identity ComJ ents

Proper Handling & Label Common Name Chemical Formula Disposal

Metal pellets, some Cadmium is toxic and silver color 'j'ith must be handled

28 20 Mossy Cadmium and

powdery white layer of properly. Labeled and Cd (s) and Zn (s) ·da · a

Mossy Zinc oxt bon, an some stored. with black layer of

oxidation. 1

29 2U Copper Pellets Cu(s) Copper pellets Labeled and stored.

I Clear, colorl~ss Neutralized with acetic

30 2C Sodium Hydroxide Solution NaOH(aq) solution with white acid and flushed down precipitate on the walls the sink with plenty of of the contai~er. water. Clear, colorle ss Neutralized with acetic

31 2D Sodium Hydroxide Solution NaOH (aq) solution with some acid and flushed down crystals in sop-mL the sink with plenty of Erlenmeyer flask. water.

32 2V [This item could not be I

located] 1

Water sample containing Pink liquid ~small Must be disposed of in

33 2N HOCto~=NCtoH.(OH)(N02)S03Na capped plasti accordance with local

Eriochrome Black T container. I environmental control I I I regulations. I

Clear, colorless I

Neutralized with acetic

34 2B

Sodium Hydroxide Solution NaOH(aq) solution in 1 000-mL acid and flushed down

I Erlenmeyer f ask. the sink with plenty of

water.

White powd, in 1-L Labeled and stored.

35 2E Glutamic Acid CsH9N04 glass jar with partial label.

I I

No. Unknown Confirmed Identity I Proper Handling & Com~ents Label Common Name Chemical Formula Disposal

2R(7 Beaker containing 7 Autoclave and dispose of

36-42 Bacteria Bacteria test tubes inof ulated in the sink. unknowns) with bacteria

Clear, colorldss liquid. Labeled and stored.

43 FC4

Ammonia NH3(aq) in a glass screw cap jar.

(CART 1) I I

Organic Acid, probably Clear, colorless liquid Must be disposed of in in 1000-mL \ accordance with local

44 2A(CART Potassium Hydrogen

CsHsK04 Erlenmeyer flask. environmental control 2) Phthalate (KHP) acidified I regulations.

withHCl I

' I Clear, colorlejss Neutralized with acetic

45 2F(CART

Sodium Hydroxide Solution NaOH(aq) solution and crystals in acid and flushed down

5) 1 000-mL beaker. the sink with plenty of

I water. Clear, colorle'ss Acetone must be

46 CART3 Acetone with some Boiling

OC(CH3)2 solution and ~iling disposed of as hazardous

Chips chips in 4-L bottle waste. labeled "DisPbsai." Clear, yellowlliquid in Hazardous waste.

47 CART4 Ferrous Chloride Solution FeCh (aq) 500-mL bottle labeled "Waste" I Clear, green solution in Hazardous waste. small capped plastic

48 FC 11 Copper Chloride Solution CuCh (aq) :~~~:~~ ~::~~~roken cover the ouulide of the container.

I

No. Unknown Confirmed Identity I Proper Handling & Comments

Label Common Name Chemical Formula I Disposal Yellow-BroWn liquid

I Dispose of according to

49 FC2 Phenolphthalein in Organic

C2oH1404 lll 25-mL E:rlenmeyer local hazardous waste

Solvent flask. I regulations. I I

Brown liquid with Dispose of according to

50 FC 1 Phenolphthalein in Organic

C2oH1404 brown large ~rystals in local hazardous waste

Solvent 25-mL Erle~eyer regulations. flask. 1

Empty 1 00-mL glass 51 FC 10 [Empty container] bottle with pJra.ffin

film cover. I Yellow solu~on in 500- Labeled and stored.

52 FCS Ferrous Chloride Solution FeCh (aq) mL glass bottile with glass stopped Clear, colorless liquid Labeled and stored.

53 FC7 Acetone OC(CH3)2 in 4-L bottle that has no label. I Clear, colorless liquid Hazardous waste.

54 FC9 Hexane CH3(CH2)4CH3 in 4-L bottle that has no label. I

[Unidentified organic Clear, colorless liquid Hazardous waste.

55 FC 8 in 4-L bottle ~t has no solvent] label. I Clear, colorle~s liquid Neutralized with sodium

56 Z2 Hydrochloric Acid Solution HCl (aq) in 1000-m.L I bicarbonate and flushed Erlenmeyer flask. down the sink with

I plenty of water. Clear, colorless liquid Neutralized with sodium

57 Zl Hydrochloric Acid Solution HCl (aq) in small glass[bottle bicarbonate and flushed with glass stopper, down the sink with labeled "A." I plenty ofwater.

No. Unknown Confirmed Identity Com~ents Proper Handling & Label Common Name Chemical Formula Disposal

Clear, colorl~ss liquid Neutralized with sodium

58 Z3 Hydrochloric Acid Solution HCl (aq) in small glass bottle bicarbonate and flushed with glass stcipper, down the sink with labeled "A." ] plenty of water. Clear, colorl(; ss Hazardous waste. solution with some sediments, i~ 500-mL

59 AC4 [Unidentified acid] glass bottle · th glass stopper; ther~ is a crack on the bottle neck; the glass stopper \could not I

be removed.

60-67 4A-4H (8 [These items could not be I

Unknowns) located] I

Fume Hood [Unidentified inorganic Hazardous waste.

68 Crystals

compound, maybe a sulfate hydrate]

69 Xl Sulfur S (s) Yellowish por der in Labeled and stored. Screw-cap glass vial.

70 X2 Iron filings Fe (s) Black metallit solids in Placed in screw cap vial, test tube. J labeled, and stored. Clear, colorle~s Must be disposed of in

Phosphate solution, solution with [a large accordance with local 71 2G (X3) probably Monobasic KH2P04(aq) amount of wliite environmental control

Potassium Phosphate precipitate in 11 000-mL regulations. beaker.

72 ID (X4) Probably Safranin C2oH19N/, cr Red liquid in ~ 0-mL Labeled and stored. -~mall capped . ed bottle.

- - - -

Total Number of Unknowns Unknown no. I I Identified 51 1,2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11-25, 27-~1. 33-43,45-50, 52-54, 56-58, 69, 70 Tentatively Identified 4 7, 44, 71,72 l Remain Unidentified 4 10,55,59,68 I Empty Containers 2 5,51 I Not Found 11 3, 26, 32, 60-67 I - -~~-

Pictures

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1F

·, . . '

~

. -- -J - ~ . ..,;.

FC 10

FC9

1E 2R

FC 7 and FC8

- - - -----------

Most of these 1-gal bottles contain acetone, some contain methanol. They are stored in the wooden cabinets beneath one of the workbenches, and were not inventoried.

Bottle of unknown located in acid cabinet. It might contain organic peroxides. Crystals have formed around the neck of the bottle (top picture}. A ring of crystals, probably fallen from the top, surrounded the bottle, which has been moved to the right (bottom picture).

A large block of copper sulfate pentahydrate was found in a plastic bag. It should be disposed of.

GRESCD CNMI ENVIRONMENTAL

December 20. 2011

John M. Guerrero Facility Manager Northern Marianas College P.O. Box 501250 Saipan MP 96950

SUBJECT: Air Quality Monitoring Survey Report for NMC Chemical Laboratory

Dear Mr. Guerrero,

On September 7, 2011. an air quality survey was performed at the laboratory as a requisite to the project startup. A portable combustible/toxic gas detector equipped with a Photo Ionization Device(PID) to detect volatile organic compounds was used to survey the air quality within the NMC chemical laboratory. The portable gas meter was initially calibrated in accordance lo the manufacturer's recommendation prior to its use.

For the most part. air quality readings throughout the laboratory remained consistently within acceptable ranges for the following sensors as listed below:

Oxygen: Lower Explosive Level: Hydrogen Sulfide: Carbon Monoxide: PID Reading (VOC's)

20.5-20.9% 0% Oppm Oppm Oppm

VOC's were detected only within the flammable cabinet and was ranging between 150 to 200 ppm.

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