-----Original Message-----
From: Stuart, Ralph <Ralph.Stuart**At_Symbol_Here**KEENE.EDU>
To: DCHAS-L <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU>
Sent: Thu, Feb 6, 2020 7:59 am
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] ether for anesthetizing fruit flies
> >Avoid using hazardous chemicals for such a task.
>
While this is a reasonable response, as has been demonstrated by the many posts about the disadvantages of ethyl ether and possible alternatives, I know that this particular teaching lab has been doing this work with ethyl ether for at least 40 years. The use of ethyl ether has been discussed by many generations of lab instructors with many generations of EHS professionals (including me).
The fact that the use of ether persists suggests that it would be prudent to design the lab ventilation system to manage ether. Even if the next generation of lab instructors decide to move to a different agent, it's possible that the one after that will return to ether. There are few EHS staff that have the authority to force specific changes on managers of lab processes.
- Ralph
Ralph Stuart, CIH, CCHO
Environmental Safety Manager
Keene State College
603 358-2859
ralph.stuart**At_Symbol_Here**keene.edu