On Feb 23, 2011, Philip Yarra wrote:
> :: Here's an MSDS for a slow reducer, contains
> ::
> :: *Toluene
> :: Light Aliphatic Solvent
> :: Naphtha
> :: Acetone
> :: *2-Butoxyethanol
> :: *Mixed Xylenes
> :: *Methanol
> :: *Ethylbenzene
:: In addition to going bang, aren't some of these fairly carcinogenic, or
:: carry other serious health risks? Fairly sure about xylene, and I have a
:: feeling same might be true of toluene and benzenes.
You might be surprised at how few chemicals are known - or even "suspected" - to
be carcinogenic. And it also depends on whose definition of "carcinogen" you'r
e using. In the USA, for example, several federal agencies rely on the Internat
ional Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifications.
Benzene = yes. It's one of the few chemicals actually known to be carcinogenic.
Xylene, I don't think so, but I'd have to check. Toluene, also not so sure.
The big problem with most of the volatile organics is acute toxicity. Organic s
olvents dissolve lipids. As such they can cause central nervous system damage a
nd have affects on target organs - e.g., kidney, liver, etc.
And there's simple overexposure causing you to essentially become "drunk" from t
he vapors.
None of them are good for you, and you'd have to be exposed to a LOT to die righ
t away. Basically it's a good idea to keep exposure as low as you can. Common
sense protection is to wear gloves (these all will de-fat your skin), wear eye p
rotection, use in a well-ventilated area (outdoors), keep your face away from th
e stuff, and if you're going to use a lot of the stuff or do any spraying, wear
a properly-fitting respirator with organic vapor cartridges.
Oh yeah - methanol is poisonus - and it absorbs quickly and readily through your
lungs, mucous membranes and skin.
Funny thing is, most people don't understand how dangerous gasoline actually is,
because it seems like such a common, everday thing. But it contains benzene, t
oluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and other lovelies - in addition to having a flash
point something like 50 degrees below 0 F.
- Bill T.
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