There are three dimensions to the discussion of toxicity: the effects of ingestion, the effects of inhalation, and the effects of skin contact. Let's take a look at these:
- Skin Contact: As for skin contact, animal tests have proven that these products are generally safe in spite of occasional skin exposures.Your techs can get Vertrel® cleaning agents on their hands without fear of adverse effects. Nonetheless, good chemical management always suggests that gloves and eye protection are wise precautions.
- Inhalation: However, inhalation is a very real issue. Numerous studies have proven that the Vertrel® specialty fluids have very low inhalation toxicity. They pose little risk of adverse health effects when airborne exposures are maintained below established exposure limits. Depending upon the product, the suggested exposure limits range from 200 ppm to 252 ppm, for an eight-hour time-weighted average exposure.
However, one animal study observed muscle tremors at very high inhalation levels (greater than 5,000 ppm). Therefore a never-exceed ceiling limit of 400 ppm has been established for all of the Vertrel® products. Since most modern cleaning systems limit worker exposures to 25 ppm or less this limit is unlikely to be exceeded except in extremely unusual situations.
There is one other safety issue about which users should be well-informed. Vertrel® vapors are transparent, with only a slight odor. The vapors are four to eight times heavier than air and will concentrate near the floor or in low-lying areas. High vapor concentrations can result in suffocation due to an oxygen deficiency. It is absolutely essential, therefore, to NEVER enter a tank, vapor degreaser or other confined space in which Vertrel® vapors may be present without observing safe entry procedures. In addition, Micro Care recommends there always be a co-worker present to monitor behavior of the employee working in the high-vapor area and watch for symptoms of over-exposure.
If you or your staff remain concerned about aromas, fumes and exposure levels, buy a set of inexpensive fluorocarbon monitors and track the exposure levels until a comfort level is achieved with this new technology.
- Ingestion: First, all of the Vertrel® products have low oral toxicity. While it is extremely unlikely these products will be swallowed, suffice it to say that ingesting these products is simply not a good idea. Don't do it. Don't even think about doing it. And, in the unlikely event of ingestion, read the MSDS sheet and get medical guidance immediately.
If Vertrel® is accidentally or intentionally swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Doing so could result in chemical pneumonia, pulmonary edema and/or hemorrhage. Get medical attention immediately.
An exception to this rule should be made when dealing with products containing methanol such as Vertrel® XM and Vertrel® SMT. Due to the high risk of systemic toxicity (blindness) from methanol, it is recommended that vomiting be induced. Get medical attention immediately.
Here's a good safety tip:
Vertrel® cleaning agents are colorless liquids. Because they look just like water, it is important to avoid storing them in containers where they might be mistaken for water. As with all chemicals, proper labeling is imperative. So take a couple of hours and make a catalog of EVERY chemical in your facility. Call, email or fax the manufacturers of those chemicals and get updated Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on every product. Then, keep those MSDS sheets with their first aid data near the locations where the chemicals are stored and used. This means that in an emergency you'll have the very best medical information you can get outside of a first aid clinic.
Potential hazards that may be associated with Vertrel® products and suggestions for avoiding problems that may arise are summarized on the Vertrel® Material Safety Data Sheets found at this web site.
