Re: mms help

Hello Slavek,

You are correct...

The dispensing and mixing used by industry is much more precise, more controlled, monitored for safety, and the people using the chemicals have been educated on the safety hazards associated with the chemicals they are handling.

MMS is an industrial strength chemical, yet there are no warnings or cautions concerning the safe handling practices that should be used with it. There is no MSDS sheet included with it, and the label and packaging have no cautions and warnings that it is a strong oxidizer.

There are only 3 warnings on the MMS label. Do not use full strength. Keep out of the reach of children. Keep out of sunlight.

In contrast, my NaClO2 container from a reputable chemical company has the following warning:

Warning:

This material is potentially a strong oxidant. It should not be heated with organic matter or strong reducing agents. Irritating to skin and eyes. Consult MSDS before use.

The MSDS was supplied in the package and it covers safe handling and storage procedures.

Since you don't work around these chemicals, you are not aware of the handling dangers that are encountered in use. In the lab there are extremely few incidents of gross spills and interactions. Most of the incidents involve casual contact.

For example: A worker will be working with a chemical, then touch something before they take their gloves off. Someone else touches the same item and then rubs their eye. All of the sudden we have a case of irritation to the eye, and the person hasn't been around the chemical at all.

This also happens with MMS. When you flip the nozzle back after dispensing, there is a good chance you will make contact with the sodium chlorite solution. Now, if you happen to rub your own eye, or a child's or animals eye, you cause eye irritation because of your unsafe handling practices. If you don't spread it to your eyes, you may notice a chlorine dioxide odor after a while. This is caused by the slightly acid mantle of your skin activating the NaClO2. If you have sensitive skin, this can add to the irritation you already have.

This is all possible from incidental contact, but what happens if you drop the bottle and spill some? What is the safe way to clean up a spill?

Understand that the safe and proper way to clean up a chemical that is classified as dangerous is much different than one that is classified as cautious.

Tom

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