Dangers of Dust-off

[Little Prince]

I came across some online write-ups about the severe biohazard posed by compressed gases like 'dust-off' while researching the use of an inert gas to protect developers from oxidation.

Apparently, many 'canned-air' products are actually canned gases (not normal air) and some of these gases are heavier than air. Which is one reason we might want to use them with bottled developers. So there was a true story of a poor kid (mid-high school type) who inhaled some of this stuff for a period of a few seconds (!) and it killed him ! Now, he was doing it as a means of getting 'high' which it apparently does because it displaces oxygen from the lungs (being heavier) and causes dizziness. For the same reason, it can lead to complete oxygen starvation in a matter of seconds and kill you. There isn't believed to be any warning or feeling of illness before disaster strikes.

It was a most unfortunate incident and I guess I'm only writing this here as it seems somewhat relevant. Of course, no one here is going to put a can of compressed air in their mouth but we would do well to remember that this seemingly harmless thing could be lethal.

 

[Kyle]

Sorta on-topic, I suppose. I was told by a pro-photog friend of mine that the use of Dust-Off and other 'canned air' products on the glass surfaces of lenses and inside cameras is a big no-no. I always listened to him, but I'm wondering if there's any truth to that. I've never felt a need to use canned air for either, I'd just like to know if what he says is truth or wive's tale.

 

[pbjbike]

Knowing this, what will I do on friday nights from now on? Seriously, thanks for the heads-up. I suppose we will have to show identification to buy Dust-Off in the future.

 

[allthumbs]

Wow. Do you have a link to that story, LP?

 

[allthumbs]

Here's what it says on my can of Beseler duster:

"Inhalant abuse is illegal and can cause permanent injury or be fatal."

It's followed by various warnings about flammability, explosion and frostbite.

 

[dmr]

Ok, let's see here ...

On my desk right here I've got a can of Clean Mates(R) Air Blaster. "Leaves no residue, Non-ozone depleting, Safe, non-flammable, non toxic, Quad-filtered moisture free"

On the back ... Contains: 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. Hmmmm ... I took Organic Chem back in the 70's, and I don't remember that much of it, but I do know that ain't air. 🙂

Here's a warning I never saw before "Note: Do not use on photographic negatives without first cleaning the valve." I assume that means to spray first to dislodge any crud so it won't get impinged upon the negatives.

Should I be using it to clean off negatives before scanning, or blowing out dust from the camera? I don't know. I really don't. 😕

 

[ch1]

Ok, let's see here ...

On my desk right here I've got a can of Clean Mates(R) Air Blaster. "Leaves no residue, Non-ozone depleting, Safe, non-flammable, non toxic, Quad-filtered moisture free"

On the back ... Contains: 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. Hmmmm ... I took Organic Chem back in the 70's, and I don't remember that much of it, but I do know that ain't air. 🙂

Here's a warning I never saw before "Note: Do not use on photographic negatives without first cleaning the valve." I assume that means to spray first to dislodge any crud so it won't get impinged upon the negatives.

Should I be using it to clean off negatives before scanning, or blowing out dust from the camera? I don't know. I really don't. 😕

Do you have a choice?

Just spray and scan!

 

[allthumbs]

I rejected the cans at the hardware store because they said "do not use on film", period. This stuff, I got at a photo supply place and no such warning, though it does say not to use it on camera mirrors. For sure it works better than a bulb blower!

"Contains: 1,1-Difluoroethane"

 

[Little Prince]

Here's the link I got from doing a google search on 'dust off' (2nd link):

http://www.hoax-slayer.com/dust-off-warning.html

I didn't do any further research on the story or any of it and am just taking it at face value. Just a small disclaimer from me.

 

[amateriat]

Here's an experiment we can all engage in:

1) Find a piece of scrap film, approx. 6-8 inches in length.

2) Take a can of compressed air (preferably with one of those attachable red nozzles).

3) While holding film strip at one end, invert can, aim nozzle at other end of strip, pull trigger.

What you'll see coming out of the can is a whitish spray that's moist and very cold. This is propellant getting loose, which it normally doesn't when using canned air normally. This propellant will do Bad Things to any film, camera lens or shutter curtain/blade it hits, which is why you should always give the can a little blast of air to clear the nozzle of propellant (in the upright position, natch) before using it on anything. And, of course, never tilt or invert the can while you're spraying. Try to spray in small blasts as opposed to one long sustained spray. Follow all this and you're safe - I've used canned air on film and cameras for the last two decades (that's pre- and post-CFC ruling) without incident.

And as far as recreational use goes, well, I get high on life, and all that. 🙂

- Barrett