5 ms·

It can't be much worse than exposure to the chemicals in most of our cleaning products.

• ars 17y ago
  Yes it can. My guess is that if someone breathed it it would coat the inside of the lungs, and they would quickly die. In smaller doses it would cause Silicosis. For this reason this will never be sold to consumers, although it might be used in a factory, but only with very strict controls.
  • electromagnetic 17y ago
    Please read the article, it's already going to market for direct sale to consumers.
    • ars 17y ago
      I did read the article. And just because they say it will go on sale direct does not mean it will. Does it have to be sprayed? Because that will never go on the market. But a brush on version might.
      • illumin8 17y ago
        The spray on version would probably have to be used by people in full hazmat suits with breathing apparatus. I can't see this being approved for the general public.
        • electromagnetic 17y ago
          Why can't you? Cement causes silicosis in thousands of people when used and handled properly according to current legislations. This product wouldn't cause silicosis when used correctly, even if it does it'll have to exceed the percentages reached by long-time cement layers to be concerning. So really, why can't you see it being approved? Do you know of a legitimate reason, or is it a personal opinion? I've worked in construction, I've had my hands blister from some materials I've used yet you can pick them up at any hardware store without question. There's no instruction on fiberglass insulation that states face masks must be worn despite its fibers can cause rhinitis and lung irritation. Hell, Talcum Powder with over exposure can have the same effects on the lungs as asbestos and it's used daily by millions on their infants. There's many things approved for the general public that are exceptionally dangerous when they're being used correctly. There's an even bigger list for when things are being used incorrectly, even down to detergents.
          • petercooper 17y ago
            Isn't a difference that if you had a can of "spray glass" you could probably incapacitate someone pretty quickly with it.. whereas throwing cement or some fibreglass insulation in someone's face is unlikely to be fatal? To me, it doesn't seem like the level of danger is the issue - just how easily that danger can be manifested.
            • electromagnetic 17y ago
              Okay, I've bought extremely potent acid used for removing imperfections from granite that can cause chemical burns within seconds of contact when diluted. The undiluted form could easily cause grievous harm if thrown in someones face, and there's specific warnings on the bottle that any contact can cause burns or blindness. It's exceptionally easy to manifest the danger, and I bought the bottle for 3 pounds.
              • petercooper 17y ago
                OK, OK, you win.. hydrogen peroxide probably comes into that category too :-)
      • anigbrowl 17y ago
        Have you ever worked in construction? There are all kinds of hazardous materials that require you to wear a respirator or at least a breathing mask, and many of them are on sale to the public, albeit with stern warnings about safe methods for use. I see no reason that this product can't be used equally safely - that is, with a mask and proper ventilation. I have the impression from their datasheets that brushing is possible but spraying is preferable in order to obtain an even coating. In any case, their primary target seems to be businesses that want to add value by adding a highly dirt-resistant finish to their products.
        • electromagnetic 17y ago
          Agreed, I've picked up some things from DIY stores in the UK that required full respirators, I don't understand the allegation that it won't go to market in the UK. Hell, superglue is likely as hazardous if used improperly. I've seen cotton overalls lit on fire by someone dumping a bottle, and I was handed it in primary school! Cement is dangerous to the skin and lungs, especially mixing dry cement as the lime can actually cause chemical burns to your lungs, or you can develop silicosis over longterm exposure, hence face-masks. There'll obviously be precautions that have to be taken. However it all depends on droplet size formed by the spray. A fine spray is unlikely to reach or coat a surface appropriately, so I'm assuming a heavier spray intended to coat a specific area. This means larger droplets and less spread of the spray, it also decreases the likelihood that it'll get through a face mask making a respirator less likely. If it can be used with a simple face mask, it'll be on sale in the UK without a doubt.
• JacobAldridge 17y ago
  What about pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicavolcanoconiosis? (Strictly speaking, I think there needs to be a volcano involved to create the fine particled silica relevant to that disease, but how often do you get a chance to naturally work it into conversation?)
  • sailormoon 17y ago
    My god, it's a real word. Kudos.
  • gjm11 17y ago
    You spelled it wrong :-). "...silico..." (I've always been disappointed that it's "...microscopic..." rather than "...microscopo...", which seems rather unnatural.)