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Crazy Lab Shenanigans!

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Material Safety Data Sheets

Hydrochloric Acid

• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat and oxidizing agents.
• Use equipment designed for acid service for handling and storage.
• Contents may develop pressure upon prolonged exposure.
• Do not store in direct sunlight.
• Do not store in metal containers.
• Store protected from moisture.
• Do not breathe vapor or mist.

Therefore...

• Please don't drop this into a pot of boiling water!
• This is not the sort of substance you carry around in a plastic sandwich bag in your pocket.
• No! Keep those magnifying glasses and specifically placed mirrors away from the sunny side window and the container of HCl.
• Do not take this stuff into a hot shower with you.
• For heaven's sake, boil this stuff in a hood and don't stick your head in!

Dimethyl Ether

• Keep away from heat, flames, and sparks.
• Store and use with adequate ventilation.
• Cylinder temperature should not exceed 52°C (125°F).
• Avoid breathing gas.
• Do not get liquid in eyes, on skin, or on clothing.
• Close valve after each use and when empty.
• Use in accordance with the Material Safety Data Sheet.

Therefore...

• A chem lab game of "Flame Darts" would not be a good idea.
• Sitting in front of a cylinder with the gas pouring out in a windowless room is not recommended.
• It is not advisable to see what would happen if you set a cylinder on a hot plate.
• Don't pour this stuff on yourself or others. It can only turn out bad.
• It wouldn't be wise to leave this stuff spewing out of the cylinder valve, leaving this very flammable gas to crawl across the lab.
• When the ether you've allowed to crawl across the lab catches fire when you feel like turning on the Bunsen burner, don't use the lab's Material Safety Data Sheets as kindling!

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