I generally agree; CuCl and CuCl2 aren't too dangerous as long as your exposure to them is limited to infrequent inhalation. Here are the MSDS for each of them if you're still concerned:
http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/c5949.htmhttp://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/c5863.htmI keep my CuCl2 in a plastic bottle with a sealing lid, like this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Servin-Saver-White-Bottle/dp/B0000CFN3O/I used to keep all of my etching supplies in a cabinet under a sink, including the etchant and a semi-sealed, one gallon jug of HCl. After about six months, the cabinet's hinges became thoroughly rusted. Other metal things corroded too.
I replaced the hinges and moved the HCl, but left the etchant, about a year ago. Since then, the hinges have remained clean and nothing else has further corroded. The HCl is now in an open area in my garage. As long as it's in a non-enclosed area with adequate ventilation, it'll be fine.
-Paul
--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Leon Heller <leon355@...> wrote:
>
> On 15/01/2011 02:56, Nathan House wrote:
> > So it sounds like building a tank will probably work, but may not be worth
> > it. I guess I'll have to think about it some more before deciding whether to
> > do it or not. I'd love to hear more input from people who have tried it
> > though..
> >
> > Have you guys had any problem with the fumes from the HCl corroding metal in
> > the vicinity? I haven't noticed this, but I recently posted on a chemistry
> > forum and they said this would be a severe long-term problem.
>
> I've had that problem.
>
>
> >
> > I'm also curious how you protect yourselves from the fumes. When I'm etching
> > I ∗try∗ to do it in a fairly ventilated place, but the fumes still smell
> > extremely strong and I can't help wonder if I should be wearing a respirator
> > or something..
>
> They are more unpleasant than dangerous.
>
> Leon
> --
> Leon Heller
> G1HSM
>