Hygiene IIPP Class Lab Safety Pest Control Publications Radiation Recharges Risk Mngmt. Work Practices Spills Waste Disposal Identifying Ethidium Bromide Ethidium bromide is a potent mutagen that has been used for many years as a nucleic acid stain. Ethidium bromide is typically purchased in powder or solution form and is soluble in water. The crystal or powder form is odorless and appears dark red in color. The powder form is considered an irritant to the upper respiratory tract, eyes, and skin.
Ethidium bromide is strongly mutagenic, causing living cell mutations.
Even though there is no evidence at this time of human carcinogenicity or teratogenicity, this material should be considered a possible carcinogen or teratogen. Personal Protection Wear a lab coat, eye protection, and nitrile gloves when working with ethidium bromide. Leave lab coats, gloves, and other PPE in the lab, when your work is complete, to prevent the spread of this or other chemicals outside of the lab. When an ultraviolet light source is used in your work with ethidium bromide, added caution is required. As a general rule, avoid exposing unprotected skin and eyes to intense UV sources.