Canned Air Warning (C2H4F2)
“NEVER spray into an enclosed space, such as a trash can or paper shredder.”
Or a computer!? That’s a pretty enclosed space, and pretty much the only thing these cans of air get used on.
Is the chemical (difluoroethane) really so dangerous? The LD-50 is rather difficult to find.
Intentional direct exposure to this chemical can cause freezing of airway soft tissue, oxygen displacement, or sensitization of myocardium. Human data also indicate that 1,1-difluoroethane is irritating to the eyes, nose, and throat. A case of severe oral mucosal frostbite injury from intentional abuse of 1,1-difluoroethane has been reported in the literature.4 This acute toxicity information is much more relevant to characterizing human hazards than a rat LD-50 value. (source)
Am I missing something here? I am confident in my ability to avoid frostbite (that liquid is COLD), but if the acute toxicity is so severe, why is it used as a propellant for a product used almost exclusively on electronics and in enclosed spaces?
My brain cells are very dear to me. Does anyone out there use a better (safer) canned-air propellant?
