DMBA (7,12 dimethylbenz[a]-anthracene)

Prepared by: Michael J. Huerkamp, DVM, Diplomate ACLAM
Date: August 2, 2001

Agent: DMBA (7,12 dimethylbenz[a]-anthracene)

DMBA is a drug used to induce cancer in research animals.

Potential Hazard: DAR employees may be exposed to DMBA in the bedding, cages and excretions of animals given the drug.

Recommended Precautions: In the animal research facility, DMBA-treated rodents should be housed in clearly marked filter top cages and the bedding should be collected and bagged for 5 days after last administration for disposal by incineration. Cage identification should include designation of toxic chemical use, identifying DMBA as the toxic chemical, the dose per animal, date(s) given, and last date of special containment. The filter top cages housing such animals should not be ventilated and a paper square bedding, such as Alpha-Dri should be used to reduce dust. As an alternative, rodents could be housed on a wire floor in a filter cage and above excreta paper. Cages should be accessed in a ventilated laminar air flow cabinet or chemical fume hood. In cage wash rooms, cages that may contain chemical residues should be labeled, segregated and dumped in a negative air flow dumping station. Bedding should be collected and bagged for disposal by incineration. Soiled cages and cage accessories should be washed in the cage washer. Animal handlers should wear a gown, hair cover, shoe covers, nitrile gloves, surgical-type mask and goggles. Always wash hands after removing gloves.

References: Fed Reg 55(21): 3327-35
Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 113: 133, 1992