Where to store the chemicals from BK01 biology laboratory kit

[Kenji Totsuka]

I bought the biology laboratory kit (BK01) and it has a lot of chemicals.  Where is the best place to store them?  I'm worried that there may be some hazardous vapor leaking from it, so I'm not sure if storing inside is a good idea.  I can't really open the windows all the time because I'm using AC or heater throughout the year.  But I don't want to store them in the garage either because the temperature fluctuation may make the chemicals go bad.  Also, can I store all the chemicals that came with the kit together, or do I have to separate some of them to prevent some hazardous reaction?  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  

- Link to the kit

  http://www.thehomescientist.com/kits/BK01/bk01-main.html

- Question summary

  - Where to store the chemicals from BK01 biology laboratory kit?

  - Do any of the chemicals need to be stored separately?

[The Home Scientist]

Hi, Kenji

Good questions.

First, we need to differentiate between what DOT/IATA define as "hazardous" for shipping purposes and which chemicals actually present a real risk. We package several of the chemicals in a separate "regulated chemicals" bag, with the caps taped. That's to meet the requirements for shipping under the USPS 173.4 Small Quantity Exemption. Some of those chemicals don't really present serious risks. For example, the turmeric reagent is DOT/IATA "hazardous" because it contains isopropyl alcohol. In other words, there's 15 mL (one tablespoon) of rubbing alcohol in that bottle, but DOT/IATA defines it as hazardous because it's flammable. Other chemicals--notably the 6 M sodium hydroxide, 6 M hydrochloric acid, 6 M ammonia, 6 M acetic acid, and biuret reagent--actually are hazardous if you get them on your skin or in your eyes.

As far as storage, the usual method is just to keep them in a ziplock plastic bag. The only ones likely to emit noticeable fumes are the acetic acid, ammonia, and hydrochloric acid, which can be stored in one or more plastic bags, together or separately. The iodine solution is a special case. It does emit fumes (iodine vapor), but those are not particularly hazardous. They will stain anything they come into contact with. Once you've opened it, you might want to keep the iodine solution in a plastic bag on its own.

[Sarah]

Hi, do I store the chemicals from the  BK01 biology kit in a shelf at room temperture or do they have to be refrigirated? 

[Robert Bruce Thompson]

They'll be fine if you store them at room temperature. Tightly capped in
a cool, dark place is best, but you don't need to refrigerate them. You
can store them all together, ideally in a small plastic bin or similar
container.