API Tap Water Conditioner - WTF???

[heatherbeast]

Thank you, RD, I was about to type something very similar to this. I agree that Sodium thiosulfate and EDTA are no biggie. Here's an MSDS for one of our favorite recreational drugs, to put things into perspective: http://avogadro.chem.iastate.edu/MSDS/ethanol.htm http://www.chem.tamu.edu/class/majors/msdsfiles/msdscaffiene.htm And "brownie" points for anyone who knows what this one is! http://freedownload.is/pdf/p-12032563.html

 

[VIPER006962948]

LOL.

And "brownie" points for anyone who knows what this one is! http://freedownload.is/pdf/p-12032563.html

Extract from coco plant used in the production of chocolate

 

[Gervahlt]

I'm not having a panic attack over how bad the product is, nor do I have an issue working with chemicals. I have worked in areas that DO have high concentrations of stuff that were MEANT to be lethal. I am also familiar with the intent of Material Safety Data Sheets and understand why they're written the way they are written. What I have an issue with is using chemicals that are dangerous in any amount when you don't need to. The chemicals used in API's TWC are much more toxic than the ones in Prime. They are much more likely to cause issues or irritation. Yet, the ONLY thing actually listed on the label is "Keep out of reach of children." NOTHING is said about flushing eyes, using protective gloves to keep it off your skin, or even to use LOTS of soap and water if it does contact your skin. It also says NOTHING on the label about having an inhalant issue or about not storing it in a closed-in area to prevent the build up of fumes. These last two are the part I have a serious issue with given that the inhalant danger is considered a level 3, which I'll explain below.

Here is the Health rating scale used in MSDS sheets. Now, given the chemical makeup of API's tap water conditioner, they've rated this a category 3 for respiratory irritation. That's pretty dang hefty! They're saying that "short-term exposure could cause serious temporary or residual injury even though prompt medical treatment is given". To put this in perspective, this is the same level of danger for respiratory irritation as Drano or even pure ammonia!

So, compare the warning labels of a can of Drano or a bottle of ammonia with API's simple "Keep out of reach of children". All three are considered severe health risks in the category of respiratory inhalants (a category that doesn't even require a child to open it, drink it, or even touch it), yet only two of these products require warning labels. THAT is what I have an issue about.