Health & Safety Information: LST Heavy Liquid

LST Heavy Liquid was developed through anAMIRA research project. The driving force behind the development and introduction of LST Heavy Liquid was the need for a dense liquid to replace the undesirable dense organohalides such as tetrabromoethane (TBE) and bromoform. During the development of a suitable heavy liquid, safety was the prime consideration. Performance, i.e. high stability and low viscosity, was then optimised.

Detailed toxicity studies have been conducted on the components of LST Heavy Liquid in order to register the new substance for use in Australia. Worksafe approval for use in Australia was obtained in January 1996.

In 2000, Rio Tinto Exploration and Iluka Resources were awarded “Highly Commended” certificates in Australia’s National Safety and Health Innovation Awards for their part in supporting the use of LST Heavy Liquid to replace bromoform and TBE.

LST Heavy Liquid has low toxicity. In this way it is similar to other liquids formed from the related polytungstate heavy liquid compounds, such as sodium polytungstate (sodium metatungstate) and lithium metatungstate.

Tests indicate that LST Heavy Liquid is unlikely to be a significant skin irritant. However, waterproof gloves should be worn during the use of LST Heavy Liquid. The crystalline solids from LST Heavy Liquid are considered an eye hazard because of their potential irritancy when allowed to remain in contact with the eyes, and eye protection is required when using LST Heavy Liquid.

LST Heavy Liquid does not present any hazards from volatile vapours and does not require expensive fume extraction systems.

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