I currently have two cans of Denatured Alcohol. One is from ACE
Hardware and one is from Home Depot. Both cans are marked Ethanol
Denatured with Methanol.
It is good to be aware of dangerous items we store and use in our
workshops but we can not take it to the point of fear.
To dwell upon the many items we use as jewelers that are dangerous
to our health, could cause us to completely stop what we do.
Everyone, please be aware of the materials you use and handle. Do
take precautions with their use but do not take the use of these
items to a point of fear.
I would be extremely interested in more on the
additives used to "denature" alcohol - especially the common gallon
cans found at paint & hardw are stores....
a quick review of MSDS show that typically 5-10 percent methanol is
the “denaturing” agent and depending on the manufacturer other
alcohols may be present
I have often contemplated that if whatever it is - is harmful
if swallowed - then what is it doing to us when it is ignited,
vaporized and inhaled? My thoughts are that it cannot be a good
thing...
another good reason for good ventilation at our soldering stations.
Also don’t fish the part you dropped in the firecoat jar out with
your fingers as noted in earlier posts methanol is absorbed through
the skin.
Jim Binnion
James Binnion Metal Arts
Phone (360) 756-6550
Toll Free (877) 408 7287
Fax (360) 756-2160
@James_Binnion
Member of the Better Business Bureau
There are several distinct procedures to make a “denatured"ethanol”
under federal regulation that make them undrinkable and suitable for
sale tax free. I don’t have the US regulation handy but the web
does show the Canadian standard methods. These are probably the same
as those in the US:
I have often contemplated that if whatever it is - is harmful
if swallowed - then what is it doing to us when it is ignited,
vaporized and inhaled? My thoughts are that it cannot be a good
thing...
Vaporized first (liquids don’t burn), inhaling this phase is the
same as any other entry route. It enters the blood stream and causes
damage to various organs.
Ignited is not such an issue. Alcohol burns very clean and produces
mostly carbon dioxide and water vapor. Much better for you than wood
smoke from a BBQ or fireplace.