Storing chemicals at the right temperatures is essential when working with them in the pharmaceutical industry. If you do not store your chemicals under the proper conditions, your laboratory may experience threats to your staff's safety and obstructions to your research. Read on to learn about the importance of temperature control in chemical storage and the dire consequences of ignoring it.
Certain Temperatures Can Make Chemicals Dangerous
One reason to be careful when storing chemicals is that certain temperatures can make them hazardous. Many substances become reactive when exposed to extreme heat or cold.
For example, some solvents may emit toxic fumes or become explosive at higher temperatures, posing serious risks to your staff. Maintaining the proper temperatures keeps these substances stable and safeguards your work environment.
They Can Cause Damage to Chemical Containers
Another reason why temperature control in chemical storage is important is that improper temperature control may cause damage to the containers that hold your chemicals. For example, storing some chemicals at too low a temperature may cause the solvents to freeze and expand before shattering their containers.
In addition to workers having to cope with a potentially dangerous chemical leak, your lab will have to purchase a new container, which will result in you paying additional costs. Storing the compounds in the right climate will prevent these issues. It will also ensure your employees stay safe and your storage containers stay intact and unharmed.
Some Temperatures Can Make Chemicals Worthless
One last reason why temperature control is critical is that chemicals often have specific temperature ranges that allow them to retain their efficacy. Exposure to temperatures outside these ranges can degrade the active ingredients, rendering them less effective or entirely useless.
This is particularly critical in the pharmaceutical industry, where the potency of a drug can directly impact its therapeutic value. Proper temperature management preserves chemical quality and effectiveness, ensuring the chemicals perform as intended.
These reasons show how proper temperature management can help make your research more protective and maintain a safe lab environment. You can also prevent accidents in your lab with Moravek’s GMP stability studies. We can help you determine the proper temperatures for storing your compounds so that they avoid volatility and remain useful in your lab.