Home > Research Safety > Research Safety Plan > Carcinogens, Reproductive Toxins or Highly Toxic Chemicals

Carcinogens, Reproductive Toxins or Highly Toxic Chemicals

The chemicals listed below are extremely hazardous. Workers must have knowledge of the dangers of these chemicals prior to use, and documentation of training in safe working procedures.

Biologically active compounds

• protease inhibitors (e.g. PMSF, Aprotin, Pepstatin A, Leopeptin);
• protein synthesis inhibitors (e.g. cycloheximide, Puromycin);
• transcriptional inhibitors (e.g. a-amanitin and actinomycin D);
• DNA synthesis inhibitors (e.g. hydroxyurea, nucleotide analogs (i.e.
• dideoxy nucleotides), actinomycin D, acidicolin);
• phosphatase inhibitors (e.g. okadaic acid);
• respiratory chain inhibitors (e.g. sodium azide);
• kinase inhibitors (e.g. NaF);
• mitogenic inhibitors (e.g. colcemid); and
• mitogenic compounds (e.g. concanavalin A).

Castor bean (Ricinus communis) lectin: Ricin A, Ricin B, RCA toxins

Diisopropyl fluorophosphate: highly toxic cholinesterase inhibitor; the antidote, atropine sulfate and 2-PAM (2-pyridinealdoxime methiodide) must be readily available

Jaquirity bean lectin (Abrus precatorius)

N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine: carcinogen (this chemical forms explosive compounds upon degradation)

Phalloidin from Amanita Phalloides: used for staining actin filaments

Retinoids: potential human teratogens

Streptozotocin: potential human carcinogen

Urethane (ethyl carbamate): an anesthetic agent, potent carcinogen and strong teratogen, volatile at room temperature

*See the DEHS Web site at http://www.dehs.umn.edu/ressafety_rsp.htm for appendices.