Michael D. Porter wrote:
>
> Given a response I got from a recent reply I made about paint strippers,
> I thought I would look up the MSDS for this chemical, methylene
> chloride. The page can be found at:
>
> http://www.chem.utah.edu/MSDS/M/METHYLENE_CHLORIDE
>
> It has health drawbacks, and one can judge for one's self the impact of
> those from the MSDS. As with many chlorinated hydrocarbons, it's not the
> best thing to which be exposed over extended periods. If one feels this
> is a reasonable product to use for the purpose intended, the general
> recommendations, based on the MSDS, are:
>
> Apply outside with good air exchange. Leave alone after application and
> go somewhere else. Rinse part in a container for later proper disposal
> of the effluent. Limit exposure to a few minutes in a 24-hour period.
>
> All in all, it might be simpler to have someone bead-blast the part, or
> use oleum to remove the carbon (a longer process, but using a mild
> caustic material with fewer health side effects).
>
> I initially mentioned methyl chloride, but memory obviously failed
> me--methyl chloride is simply a building block of methylene chloride.
>
> Cheers.
I don't have much experience with it (and none with carbon buildup), but
3M - and others I'm sure, sells a product called "Safest Stripper" which
has no methylene chloride. Still carries a few warnings on the label,
but none about breathing the fumes. Might be worth a shot.
Michael Ferguson
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