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Read this if you use brake cleaner from a spray can !

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Enclosed Muscle Transport

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Probably all of us have used brake cleaner from a spray can.

The difference between " chlorinated " & " non-chlorinated " can save your life.

I usually buy chlorinated - you seem to get a little more.

Never gave it much thought.

Then I read this:

@ Safety Alert! Brake Cleaner = Phosgene Gas - BREW Bikes LLC



Jim
 
#2 ·
Dang Jim, Thank you for the warning, I use this stuff too for light cleaning on brakes and stuff. You sure opened my eyes.

So you are saying the non-chlorinated is safer?
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
I don't know ...

I think you need to read the label on " non-chlorinated " brake cleaner(s)

From the link:

" After reading about Hydrogen Chloride and then started researching phosgene. The chemical in the brake cleaner is Tetrachloroethylene. When this chemical is exposed with excessive heat and argon (used in MIG and TIG welding) it also produces phosgene.

Some Phosgene facts. Google Phosgene and read more!

It can be fatal with a dose as little as 4 parts per million.

Symptoms can be delayed from 6-48 hours after exposure.

There is NO antidote for Phosgene.

Long term effects can be chronic bronchitis and emphysema. "



Jim
 
#4 ·
The guy torched it off before welding. Had he let it air dry or used compressed air then I doubt it would have caused any problems. Many chemicals and compounds if vaporized with heat can be very harmful.
 
#5 ·
Vega$69 said:
The guy torched it off before welding. Had he let it air dry or used compressed air then I doubt it would have caused any problems. Many chemicals and compounds if vaporized with heat can be very harmful.
Click to expand...
I have to pretty much agree with John on this one, try spraying chlorinated Brakleen into the carburetor of a running engine instead of carburetor cleaner, completely different exhaust comes out of the tail pipe (potentially fatal exhaust). And that can happen as a mistake if one simply picks up the wrong can while rushing in the shop.

Still we all need to use caution and care with all the chemicals we use and are exposed to in this hobby or profession, whatever the case may be.
 
#6 ·
NH69Z28RS said:
I have to pretty much agree with John on this one, try spraying chlorinated Brakleen into the carburetor of a running engine instead of carburetor cleaner, completely different exhaust comes out of the tail pipe (potentially fatal exhaust). And that can happen as a mistake if one simply picks up the wrong can while rushing in the shop.

Still we all need to use caution and care with all the chemicals we use and are exposed to in this hobby or profession, whatever the case may be.
Click to expand...
I agree on be cautious.

I also don't think the instructions for carb cleaner suggest spraying it into a running engine.
 
#7 ·
Vega$69 said:
I also don't think the instructions for carb cleaner suggest spraying it into a running engine.
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And yet it's done all the time by many with a carburetor on the engine as are many things that aren't in the instructions.:surprise:
 
#11 ·
I live in California and I think the chlorinated version was legislated away two years ago. I'll check with local NAPA and will update everyone ONLY if it is still CALIFORNIA LEGAL. FYI I was warned by my welding supplier that torch cutting galvanized pipe will also release Phosgene gas. Not sure if that is accurate but I was cutting some 4" galvanized irrigation pipe years ago and it gave off a green/gray smoke. Put the gas axe away and used the sawzall for the remaining 2000 feet.
 
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#13 ·
#15 ·
wwallman said:
FYI I was warned by my welding supplier that torch cutting galvanized pipe will also release Phosgene gas. Not sure if that is accurate but I was cutting some 4" galvanized irrigation pipe years ago and it gave off a green/gray smoke. Put the gas axe away and used the sawzall for the remaining 2000 feet.
Click to expand...
Galvanic Poisoning ;)


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_fume_fever


A fan, ventilation system, or proper mask will do wonders. BUT !!! Some will enter through your skin (Chromium) <--Nasty stuff, look it up :yes:
 
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