leak detection fluid - respirator to use this stuff?

[Pembrokebloke]

Hi,

Been meaning to ask this for a while now.

Commercial leak detection fluid - the stuff in the hand-pump action spray bottle - it makes me cough and I feel a choking sensation at the back of my throat every time I use it. I keep well away from the thing I'm spraying, but I still get the unpleasant sharp tang and a desire to cough.

I can't find any safety info (SDS sheet) to tell me to wear a respirator or vapour-grade PPE, so, is this stuff corrosive/toxic/injurious to health if breathed in over some period of (prolonged?) use?

The label warns of 'serious eye irritation' , so I wear safety glasses, but claims the delivery method is 'non-aerosol spray' and there is no explicit precautionary against breathing in the overspray.

I can't be the only one that has this reaction to the stuff??

 

[ShaunCorbs]

I’ve noticed in the last couple of years the same I’ve switched brand

 

[Chuck]

Which specific product are you talking about? There are many that match your description.

Anyway, all such products have to have a COSHH datasheet. Go to a big online supplier, like BES or RS and search for the product, then look for the downloadable COSHH sheet on the product page. E.g. Cura leak detector from BES:

BES.co.uk | Next Day Delivery On 15,000 + Plumbing Supplies

Order leak detection fluid and other leak detection fluids online at BES. Low prices. Free next day delivery available. 15k+ Products in stock. P/N: 21069

www.bes.co.uk

has the sheet in the 'Product Attachments' section.

As a general rule, all sprays produce aerosols to some extent and you don't want to inhale any of them. If it irritates your eyes it's a racing certainty that your lungs won't like it much either.

 

[Pembrokebloke]

Not going to mention the brand, but thanks for the tip. WIll switch brands next time.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Or I find using a brush better if you have too

 

[Pembrokebloke]

I found the COSHH - it seems the culprit is an ingredient called Bronopol at <1% concentration.

Wikipedia lists a string of hazard warnings appropriate for this product - one of which is

H335 - may cause respiratory irritation

I would agree