Is it safe to pipet chemical reagent solutions or unknown water samples by mouth?

Pipetting chemical reagent solutions or unknown water samples by mouth is not safe due to the significant health risks involved. Ingesting even small amounts of hazardous chemicals can lead to poisoning, severe allergic reactions, or long-term health problems. Additionally, unknown samples may contain toxic substances or pathogens that can pose serious health hazards if ingested.

Proper laboratory safety protocols dictate that mouth pipetting is strictly prohibited. Instead, pipettes should always be used with mechanical or electronic pipetting devices to ensure safety and avoid contamination. The awareness of potential dangers emphasizes the importance of using appropriate tools and following safety guidelines in any water treatment or chemistry-related environment. This practice ensures not only personal safety but also the integrity of the samples being tested.