Should I be concerned about Ethidium bromide exposure?
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I just now had a 3 to 4 seconds exposure to UV radiation when using agarose gel electrophoresis. Also, yesterday when preparing to run DNA, a small amount of Ethidium bromide landed on my finger. I immediately washed it with water. What is the possibility that these may cause a skin mutation or cancer?
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com. You've taken the appropriate step by washing the exposed skin area. There's no need to overly worry, given the brief duration of exposure and the limited amount of Ethidium bromide involved. It's unlikely that you'll experience blisters, redness, or itching. However, it's crucial to exercise caution when working with such chemicals in the future. Ensure you wear double gloves during handling and meticulously wash your hands even after removing the gloves, even if they remain intact.
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