Two questions: Where to store chemicals from CK01--and thermometer was broken when it arrived--disposal?

[Chris]

Would the taped chemicals be best in the fridge like the ones from the Forensic kit? 

And the thermometer was broken when it arrived--is this thermometer one that is a hazard and if so, disposal ideas? 

Thank you--

Chris 

[The Home Scientist]

The thermometer is alcohol-based so it presents no hazards other than the obvious sharp glass fragments. I'll get a replacement out to you the first of the week.

As to storage, the bottles with the taped caps are chemicals that are defined as hazardous for shipping purposes. In some cases (like strong acids) they really do need careful handling, but in many cases they're defined as hazardous because they're flammable. A tablespoon or two of rubbing alcohol used to dissolve a stain, for example, is still technically hazardous, but in reality is no more hazardous than a small bottle of rubbing alcohol.

You can refrigerate any of the chemicals if you wish, but storing them in a plastic bin or similar container at room temperature in the dark is perfectly acceptable.