Homebrew PCBs

On Tue, 17 May 2005 19:25:28 +1000, Andrew <swinn05@...> wrote:

>
> On a side note I looked at an online MSDS just before and noted this
> piece of information
> contained in the MSDS.
> 'Use of alcoholic beverages enhances toxic effects'
> Must remember to pop away the beer next time i have a glass of acetone.
>
> Cheers,
> Andy S


There must be some piece of misinformation that gets so many people to  
believe acetone is carcinogenic. I suspect it is a confusion with the  
strong-acid process used for acetone production beeing potentially  
carcinogenic. (I wouldn't be surprised if it was created by the media,  
using inaccurate facts)

However, yes, many msds i have seen say ethanol increases toxic effects.
But then, seeing it realistic, if you drink ethanol in any form i bet it  
is much more dangerous than responsibly used acetone on it's own. I mean  
those MSDS read like a horror story, sometimes, but if you compare with  
substances that are consumed it is not that bad. Often you must really  
ingest it or something to get the possible results described in te MSDS. I  
just stay well clear of carcinogenic substances. All chemicals here in  
europe have a very useful declaration sign, not sure if it is the same in  
the US.

We have F for flammable, C corrosive, Xi for irritant, N for poison to  
environment/water, and then it gets really nasty like Xn and T, which can  
have permanent effects. I don't use Xn or T stuff, cause i think it is not  
really worth it. I think such chemicals can be used safely with proper  
precautions, but i just don't want to deal with it. (Electroless tin for  
tinning PCBs is such a substance.)

These hazard symbols are a quick indication if you want to use it without  
needing to find a MSDS. The abbrevations are obviously english but i  
wouldn't expect the same symbols to be used in the US?

As said, i believe pcb cleaning is not something that requires getting  
exposed to anything you think is dangerous, cause stuff like abrasive  
kitchen cleaners work just as well.

ST