Physan 20 use

[JaneEyre]

Hi,

I just wanted to add few comments. I work in a laboratory setting so I have experience with very dangerous chemicals and safety is very important to me. Whether it is an industrial chemical or a household item, it is always a good idea to ask questions about the hazards of the chemical. A good source to find information are "Material Safety Data Sheets" (aka MSDS). Here is one for Physan 20

http://www.igrowhydro.com/pest_and_D...san20-MSDS.pdf

MSDS should have information on how dangerous chemical is, whether it has any chronic hazards, and most importantly what proper protective equipment one should use.

One thing to understand is how long you are exposed to a chemical, how much, and how frequently. Typically MSDS covers worst case scenarios, but the possible dangers should not be taken lightly, after all it's our health.

Physan 20 MSDS recommends to wear Rubber or Neoprene gloves (Nitrlie are very good too) and a face shield or chemical goggles. MSDS also recommends to use this product in a well ventilated areas. While this sounds extreme for a household product, at the very least, safety glasses are a good idea in-case the product gets in the eyes. Ventilation is also important.

Sorry if I sound scary with the chemical danger. Usually with proper use and appropriate protective equipment it is safe to use majority of chemicals. The key is to check MSDS for guidelines.

Just thought I could be of some help.

[DavidCampen]

Gee, how can I put this delicately; so are you saying that when I apply Bactine antiseptic to a cut I should first place a heavy rubber glove over the cut so that I don't get any of the nasty benzyl alkyl ammonium chlorides on my skin? But then how does the Bactine disinfect the cut?

The Physan website says:

EPA approved for use directly on plants
Broad spectrum disinfectant
Environmentally friendly
Pleasant odor
Will not discolor skin
No reentry restrictions for hard surface use
Use of gloves not required with diluted solution
Cost effective use rate
Good wetting agent
Leaves bacteriostatic residue
Biodegradable

Originally Posted by JaneEyre

Hi,

I just wanted to add few comments. I work in a laboratory setting so I have experience with very dangerous chemicals and safety is very important to me. Whether it is an industrial chemical or a household item, it is always a good idea to ask questions about the hazards of the chemical. A good source to find information are "Material Safety Data Sheets" (aka MSDS). Here is one for Physan 20

http://www.igrowhydro.com/pest_and_D...san20-MSDS.pdf

MSDS should have information on how dangerous chemical is, whether it has any chronic hazards, and most importantly what proper protective equipment one should use.

One thing to understand is how long you are exposed to a chemical, how much, and how frequently. Typically MSDS covers worst case scenarios, but the possible dangers should not be taken lightly, after all it's our health.

Physan 20 MSDS recommends to wear Rubber or Neoprene gloves (Nitrlie are very good too) and a face shield or chemical goggles. MSDS also recommends to use this product in a well ventilated areas. While this sounds extreme for a household product, at the very least, safety glasses are a good idea in-case the product gets in the eyes. Ventilation is also important.

Sorry if I sound scary with the chemical danger. Usually with proper use and appropriate protective equipment it is safe to use majority of chemicals. The key is to check MSDS for guidelines.

Just thought I could be of some help.

[JaneEyre]

Originally Posted by DavidCampen

Gee, how can I put this delicately; so are you saying that when I apply Bactine antiseptic to a cut I should first place a heavy rubber glove over the cut so that I don't get any of the nasty benzyl alkyl ammonium chlorides on my skin? But then how does the Bactine disinfect the cut?

The Physan website says:

EPA approved for use directly on plants
Broad spectrum disinfectant
Environmentally friendly
Pleasant odor
Will not discolor skin
No reentry restrictions for hard surface use
Use of gloves not required with diluted solution
Cost effective use rate
Good wetting agent
Leaves bacteriostatic residue
Biodegradable

All i was trying is to point out that some things can be hazardous and dismissing danger labels because of a notion that labels are only there to prevent potential lawsuits can be misleading.

While it is true that diluted solution poses no immediate risk, as you pointed out yourself, concentrate can splash in the eye. Things happen, an open bottle can slip out and you may get a splash on hands, clothes and eyes. I just think it is good to protect ourselves whenever possible. Why risk it if I can prevent it? Wearing safety glasses can help and it is our choice to wear them or not. As far as "heavy rubber gloves" go, latex rubber and Nitrile gloves are hardly "heavy". Again, it is our choice to wear those or not as well. The label is simply there to inform us.

On a side note, there is a difference between disinfecting a cut and handling chemical for hours. Chemical exposure is related to length of time and frequency of use. While isopropyl alcohol is widely used for disinfecting, I wouldn't want to handle it for several hours for other purposes without gloves either.

I did not mean to anger anyone. I was simply hoping to provide more information out there. My apologies.

[DavidCampen]

Originally Posted by JaneEyre

All i was trying is to point out that some things can be hazardous and dismissing danger labels because of a notion that labels are only there to prevent potential lawsuits can be misleading.

I dismiss the label because it is incorrect.

While it is true that diluted solution poses no immediate risk, as you pointed out yourself,

Good, I am glad that you recognize this, I couldn't tell from your 1st post.

concentrate can splash in the eye. Things happen, an open bottle can slip out and you may get a splash on hands, clothes and eyes. I just think it is good to protect ourselves whenever possible. Why risk it if I can prevent it?

Yes, and you can poke your eye out with a pencil. Do you wear safety goggles when you are using a pencil? I don't.

As far as "heavy rubber gloves" go, latex rubber and Nitrile gloves are hardly "heavy". Again, it is our choice to wear those or not as well. The label is simply there to inform us.

Or misinform.

On a side note, there is a difference between disinfecting a cut and handling chemical for hours. Chemical exposure is related to length of time and frequency of use. While isopropyl alcohol is widely used for disinfecting, I wouldn't want to handle it for several hours for other purposes without gloves either.

Keeping your hands wet with a Physan 20 solution is exactly what is suggested:
Physan 20
... Dip hands in solution before handling plants or anything connected with the plants. It is a good idea to have a container of PHYSAN 20 solution always available as a hand dip. Allow to air dry.
Use: 1 Tablespoon PHYSAN 20 per gallon of water.
...
Remove compost from plant, then soak plant for 2-5 minutes in PHYSAN 20 solution. Operate with wet hands and cutting tools.