[electro]

Most of us have enjoyed the time saving benefits of Aerosol Parts Cleaners. It might be labeled "Brake Clean" or "Parts Wash" or something similar. It comes out fast, it comes out cold, and man it sure works great! My favorite trick is to use it directly over a piece of cardboard. The cleaned part dries quickly, has no residue, and is ready to slap back on in no time. The cardboard absorbs the "juice", and dries quickly. Wonderful stuff. The magic in the can is Heptane. It is a clear liquid that has unusually good solvent properties. Since it dries so quickly, and leaves virtually no residue, it is the solvent of choice for most automotive technicians. Closely related to gasoline, heptane does not have desirable characteristics when introduced into the combustion chamber. Usually sold by the 16 or 20oz can, this wonder product is almost too good to be true. And that is why I want to bring a potential problem to your attention.

The problem is that prolonged exposure to heptane has significant risks to skin, respiratory tract and the central nervous system. A typical "shade tree" job performed outside with latex or nitrile gloves should be quite safe. But when used indoors, with poor ventilation and no skin protection (gloves), the permissible exposure level (PEL) can easily be exceeded. Additionally, it is flammable. Don't use it near the water heater or furnace!

Bottom line: It's great stuff. Turn of a fan and wear some gloves. And don't forget to use the best tool you have.... your brain!

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0312.html

 

[Boghog]

I favor using CRC non clorinated brake clean.While it doesn't contain Heptane it does contain Toulene which is equally as bad.here's an MSDS spec sheet and you'll see what I mean.

http://www.crcindustries.com/faxdocs/msds/5088.pdf

 

[Zephyrman]

All this stuff is bad for you, but it works so damn good. You guys are right, common sense is your best defence against bad things happening

 

[Cuda_jim]

I agree, :idea:it makes a good wasp killer too (shoots over 20 feet) and can be legally carried for self defense..... vs. mace/pepper spray. Did you ever shoot yourself in the face with that stuff? :yikes: Even with safety goggles, it will drop you to the floor.......don't ask :hand: