subject: Pyridine Compounds Exposure Effects & Safety Measures [print this page] Pyridine is a colorless liquid with an unpleasant smell. It can be made from crude coal tar or from other chemicals. It can also be prepared from the breakdown of many natural materials in the environment.Pyridine is any of a class of organic compounds containing a six-member ring in which one of the carbon atoms has been replaced by a nitrogen atom. Pyridines include compounds used as water repellents, herbicides, and various drugs. The pyridine ring structure is also part of many larger compounds, including niacin and nicotine.
Several compounds can be produced using pyridine. Some of the pyridine compounds include Pyridine-N-Oxides, 2,6-Disubstituted Pyridines, Substituted Pyridines, Dibromo Pyridines, Dichloro Pyridines, Acetyl Pyridines, and many more. Pyridine compounds are mainly used as intermediates to produce the agricultural applications such as herbicides pharmaceutical and pesticide. It is used as a solvent in paint and rubber preparation and in research laboratories for functions such as extracting plant hormones.
Pyridine is released into environment from the industries or pharmaceuticals that prepare it. It easily evaporates into atmosphere, but takes several months to break into other compounds. Pyridine easily dissolves in water and soil.
Everyone is exposed to small amounts of pyridine through food, air or water. Pyridine is also released from hot coffee and burning cigarette. People working in pyridine industries will have much exposure to the chemical. Human beings can be exposed to pyridine because of inhaling it, absorbing it through the skin, ingesting it, or making skin or eye contact with it.
Exposure to pyridine causes health effects like headache, coughing, asthmatic breathing, laryngitis, nausea, giddiness, a desire to sleep, quickening of the pulse, and vomiting. Studies performed on the animals by exposing them to pyridine have concluded the damage of liver when exposed to that chemical. Mild skin irritation and eye irritation were seen in rabbits when pyridine was placed on their skin or in their eyes. Pyridine also reduces male fertility and chronic exposure may cause serious harm.
Always wear safety glasses and work in Good ventilation environment. When pyridine comes in contact with eyes, wash off immediately with plenty of water, eye wash solution. If the chemical is exposed on skin, then wash with soap and if the skin reddens or appears damaged, call for medical assistance immediately.
Avoid heat, flames and other sources of ignition in the laboratory nearer to pyridine. Also keep strong oxidizing substances and strong acids at a distance from pyridine compounds. Pyridine should not be disposed of down the drains. Keep in a suitable waste solvent container and dispose it. Safety glasses, gloves, laboratory coat, must be used a protective equipment while working with pyridine compounds.
