From: mvp@hsv3.lsil.com (Mike Van Pelt)
Subject: Re: the TRUTH about Methylene Chloride
Organization: LSI Logic/Headland Technology
Date: Sat, 5 Sep 1992 00:53:37 GMT

In article <36885@uflorida.cis.ufl.edu> dadmun@maple.circa.ufl.edu writes:
>Well then you are a fool.            --- :
>
>Not that MeCl is super dangerous, but not taking labels seriously is like
>hugging a 500MHz NMR magnet when u have a pacemaker.  ;^)

Some time ago, Sam Conway (dragon@eleazar.dartmouth.edu) posted the
following:

----  Begin Included Message  ----

I am growing weary of seeing chemicals with warning labels that imply
that I shall die a horrible death simply by looking at the contents.  A
warning label should inform me of any *REAL* hazards, and of the
precautions I should take when handling the reagent, and should not
serve only to cover the manufacturer's derriere should some
lawyer-happy numbskull decide to bathe in the product.

A case in point from Fisher Scientific: 

CAUTION:  May be harmful if inhaled.  May cause irritation.  Inhalation
may produce irritation, coughing and acute pneumoconiosis from
overwhelming exposure to dust.  May cause a rapidly-developing
pulmonary insufficiency, labored breathing, tachypnea and cyanosis
followed by cor pulmonale and a short survival time.  More frequently,
after 10-25 years exposure, labored breathing, dry cough, chest pain,
decreased vital capacity and diminished chest expansion may occur and
progress to marked fatigue, extreme labored breathing and cyanosis,
anorexia, cough with stringy mucous, pleuratic pain and incapacity to
work.  Death may result from cardiac failure or destruction of lung
tissue with resulting anoxia.  Has caused tumorigenic effects in
laboratory animals.  Skin contact may cause irritation and dermatitis.
Eye contact may cause redness, irritation, and conjunctivitis.

TARGET ORGANS AFFECTED:  Eyes, skin, and mucous membranes.  Provide
local exhaust ventilation and/or general dilution ventilation to meet
published limits.

FIRST AID -- INHALATION.  Remove from exposure area to fresh air
immediately.  If breathing has stopped, perform artificial
respiration.  Keep person warm and at rest.  Get medical attention
immediately.  SKIN:  Remove contaminated clothing and shoes
immediately.  Wash affected area with soap or mile detergent and large
amounts of water (approximately 15-20 minutes).  Get medical
attention.  EYES:  Wash eyes immediately with large amounts of water,
occasionally lifting upper and lower lids (approximately 15-20
minutes).  Get medical attention.

Yes indeed, all of this fits right on the bottle.  And just what is
this hazardous product?  "SEA SAND, washed"

 God help me, I'll never go to the beach again!

----  End Included Message  ----

Now, when the signal-to-noise ratio of warning lables on bottles of
chemicals is this bad, of what possible use are those warnings?  You
have to know the chemical and know the hazard from other, more reliable
sources; the warning on the label (as opposed to the information on
compound, purity, concentration, etc.) has become worthless.
-- 
  Caution: Thermostellar device.          Mike Van Pelt
       Handle with care.                  LSI Logic/Headland Products
 Do not expose to first-semester          mvp@hsv3.lsil.com
     Philosophy students.                 sun!indetech!hsv3!mvp
Newsgroups: sci.chem