Re: solvents-- VM&P Naptha/protective gloves

[P3D E R Swanson <ers@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The VM&P in VM&P Naptha stands for Varnish Makers and Painters. From all
I've been able to discover, it's just plain old naptha. It's flammable.
>From the warning label it states, "Harmful or fatal if swallowed. Reports
have associated repeated and prolonged overexposure to solvents with
neurological and other physiological damage." While this doesn't
specifically cite the product in the can, it's a general warning that
needs to be heeded.

This solvent is certainly dangerous, but of a lesser order than many of
the others. Lighter fluid is primarily naptha. The good thing about naptha
is that it doesn't seem to damage plastics or rubber. It also doesn't seem
to damage optical coatings, but I'd be very careful re this one. It
evaporates clean and works well to degunk Kodak shutters.

Protective gloves are something one needs to pay considerable attention
to. For example, nitrile gloves are *not recommended* for mineral spirits
or varnish/paint thinners. PVC/vinyl gloves are rated as *fair* re mineral
spirits and varnish/paint thinners. Rubber is *not recommended* for
mineral spirits or turpentine and only *fair* for varnish and paint
thinner. 

The one glove that gives good protection across the spectrum of solvents,
acids, etc is Neoprene. The disadvantage is that they are clunky. Not
recommended while doing brain surgery.

Also, you need to test gloves frequently. If you're using sharp
instruments and probes, etc, it's easy to punch a pinhole in a rubber
glove, at which point you have no protection at all. 

Many thanks to Bill for the solvent info. A lot of this stuff is very very
nasty. Read the labels. Use and dispose of these chemicals with care. You
can't just chuck a partially empty can in the trash-- they need to be
taken to hazardous waste sites.

--Elliott




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