Warning toxic antifreeze

bassman284

Commander
Joined
Jun 24, 2006
Messages
2,840
Re: Warning toxic antifreeze


Great link, Tim. Concise and to the point.

I don't own an RV but several of my friends do and I rent one once or twice a year. This thread got me curious so I did a little searching and came on the MSDS sheets of Propylene Glycol RV antifreeze linked here:

http://www.shamrockchicago.com/MSDSPrestRVAf.html

Took out this c&p:

"INGESTION: Considered relatively non-toxic following acute ingestion,
however, lactic acidosis, stupor and seizures have been reported
following chronic ingestion and in individuals with underlying kidney
disease."

Sounds like if you're reasonably healthy and don't make it your main source of liquid intake, you should be OK.

The sheet for straight ethanol RV antifreeze is very similar to that for Everclear.
 

bassman284

Commander
Joined
Jun 24, 2006
Messages
2,840
Re: Warning toxic antifreeze

I'm pretty familiar with RV's and honestly I've never heard of anyone putting it in their fresh water supply.

Interesting. Everybody I know puts it in there's, including the one I rent from. Even though they flush it, I can get a little smell of it when I turn on a faucet when I rent it in the spring.
 

kenmyfam

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 10, 2006
Messages
14,398
Re: Warning toxic antifreeze

Yep, make sure you don't drink a gallon or so of it. Flush the lines clear and then some in spring.
 

888

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 7, 2012
Messages
358
Re: Warning toxic antifreeze

Great link, Tim. Concise and to the point.

I don't own an RV but several of my friends do and I rent one once or twice a year. This thread got me curious so I did a little searching and came on the MSDS sheets of Propylene Glycol RV antifreeze linked here:

http://www.shamrockchicago.com/MSDSPrestRVAf.html

Took out this c&p:

"INGESTION: Considered relatively non-toxic following acute ingestion,
however, lactic acidosis, stupor and seizures have been reported
following chronic ingestion and in individuals with underlying kidney
disease."

Sounds like if you're reasonably healthy and don't make it your main source of liquid intake, you should be OK.

The sheet for straight ethanol RV antifreeze is very similar to that for Everclear.

Propylene Glycol is inhaled as well. Also in many products we all use everyday.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_cigarette
 

Jeep Man

Commander
Joined
Oct 17, 2008
Messages
2,803
Re: Warning toxic antifreeze

Don't underestimate anti-freeze. It is very toxic and should not be used on fresh water supply. These lines should be blown out. It is for drain lines and sewage/ gray water holding tanks. A good friend accidentally left some out while closing up his mom's cottage. Both his dogs drank some as it is very sweet and appetizing for them. The reaction was similiar to distemper. Unfortunatey, both dogs had to be put down.
There is a non-toxic type on the market, but not widely distributed.
 

bassman284

Commander
Joined
Jun 24, 2006
Messages
2,840
Re: Warning toxic antifreeze

Don't underestimate anti-freeze. It is very toxic and should not be used on fresh water supply. These lines should be blown out. It is for drain lines and sewage/ gray water holding tanks. A good friend accidentally left some out while closing up his mom's cottage. Both his dogs drank some as it is very sweet and appetizing for them. The reaction was similiar to distemper. Unfortunatey, both dogs had to be put down.
There is a non-toxic type on the market, but not widely distributed.

I'm sorry, my friend, but you're completely wrong. I'm sure you're talking about engine cooling system antifreeze, i.e. ethylene glycol. We're talking about something else, Propylene Glycol, not toxic and AFAik not sweet. Need to gather your information, my friend.
 

bigdee

Commander
Joined
Jul 27, 2006
Messages
2,667
Re: Warning toxic antifreeze

I'm sorry, my friend, but you're completely wrong. I'm sure you're talking about engine cooling system antifreeze, i.e. ethylene glycol. We're talking about something else, Propylene Glycol, not toxic and AFAik not sweet. Need to gather your information, my friend.

Most of us probably had a dose of it in our supper tonight....read the ingredients!! Us old-timers that use Ducalax get a 100% dose!
 

1stgenbird

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 5, 2009
Messages
397
Re: Warning toxic antifreeze

If it wasn't labeled as toxic, someone would pour it over ice, add some vodka, and create a new drink sensation.
 

matt167

Rear Admiral
Joined
Sep 27, 2012
Messages
4,271
Re: Warning toxic antifreeze

Most of us probably had a dose of it in our supper tonight....read the ingredients!! Us old-timers that use Ducalax get a 100% dose!

Yep I know I did. I had a nukable egg roll with some Sweet and Sour sauce. Proplyne Glycol is in the sauce.
 

Jeep Man

Commander
Joined
Oct 17, 2008
Messages
2,803
Re: Warning toxic antifreeze

I'm sorry, my friend, but you're completely wrong. I'm sure you're talking about engine cooling system antifreeze, i.e. ethylene glycol. We're talking about something else, Propylene Glycol, not toxic and AFAik not sweet. Need to gather your information, my friend.

Maybe where you are. Please explain why the container of RV antifreeze that I am looking at has a very large POISON warning on the label.
 

tpenfield

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 18, 2011
Messages
18,819
Re: Warning toxic antifreeze

Maybe where you are. Please explain why the container of RV antifreeze that I am looking at has a very large POISON warning on the label.

I think we need to post pics of the warning labels from the various types of RV/Marine antifreeze. I took a look at some that I have in the garage and it says may be harmful to humans. It is the 30% PG type. I have some others at the summer house that are the alcohol /PG blend and I believe that their warnings are more extensive.

keep in mind that the same type of warning could be put on a bottle of Bicardi 151.

I think the difference in the antifreeze - non-toxic vs. toxic - is one will send you to the hospital the other will send you to the grave.
 

Tim Frank

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 29, 2008
Messages
5,351
Re: Warning toxic antifreeze

Maybe where you are. Please explain why the container of RV antifreeze that I am looking at has a very large POISON warning on the label.

I don't know, maybe labels sometimes go a bit overboard? :D

csaw.jpegwarning9.jpg
 

WIMUSKY

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Staff member
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Sep 26, 2009
Messages
20,314
Re: Warning toxic antifreeze

You guys sparked my curiosity. I have a partial jug of Peak RV and Marine Antifreeze. I used this stuff to winterize my I/O when I had one. Says on the jug, "Can be used to winterize marine engines". Also, "Ideal for winterizing all types of potable water plumbing systems".

Warning label, "This product may be harmful if swallowed. Store safely away from children and pets". Sez it's odorless(I can smell it) and tasteless(didn't try that test). Basically, you can drain all your freshwater systems and dump this stuff in. To de-winterize, you run fresh water thru your system until the color disappears. They say "a trace of color is not harmful". I suppose they feel it will be diluted enough.

Ingredients: propylene glycol, water, proprietary ingredients(wonder what that contains?).

I don't know. If it were me, I would still blow out/drain my fresh water system as I and some others have mentioned before.... That's what they do for cabins/homes. They use this stuff for floor drains, sink traps etc.......
 

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
16,888
Re: Warning toxic antifreeze

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
PRODUCT IDENTITY: PEAK -50?F BURST ETHANOL RV & MARINE ANTIFREEZE
PRODUCT CODE: PER0A3
1. SUPPLIER
OLD WORLD INDUSTRIES, LLC
4065 COMMERCIAL AVENUE
NORTHBROOK, ILLINOIS 60062
PHONE: 847-559-2000
EMERGENCY PHONE: 1-800-424-9300 (CHEMTREC)

2. INGREDIENTS
Material CAS# % BY WT. Vapor Pressure mm Hg @ Temp.
Ethanol 64-17-5 <20% 44.6 68F
All other chemical components are considered non-hazardous according to OSHA 29 CFR (1910.1200)
3. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
NFPA: HEALTH: 1 FLAMMABILITY: 2 REACTIVITY: 0
KEY: 0 ? Minimal 1 - Slight 2 - Moderate 3 - Serious 4 - Severe

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS
Routes of Exposure: Eye Contact, Skin Contact, Inhalation, Ingestion, Signs and Symptoms of Overdose
Eye: May cause minor eye irritation.
Skin: No significant adverse effects are expected under anticipated conditions of normal use. Repeated, prolonged exposure may cause slight flaking, tenderness and softening of skin.

2
PEAK -50?F BURST ETHANOL RV & MARINE ANTIFREEZE

Ingestion: No significant adverse effects are expected under anticipated conditions of normal use. Excessive ingestion may cause central nervous system effects. Effects of ethanol ingestion are dependant on the amount and rate of consumption. Short term overexposure may result in drunkenness, depression of the central nervous system, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or liver damage.

Inhalation: No significant adverse effects are expected under anticipated conditions of normal use. Non-irritant to lungs. If effects do occur, refer to FIRST AID section.

Signs and Symptoms of Overexposure: No significant adverse effects are expected under anticipated conditions of normal use. If effects do occur, refer to FIRST AID section.
Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated By Exposure: None known
Health Hazards (Acute and Chronic): None known
Carcinogenicity: No
NTP Carcinogen: No
IARC Monographs: No
4. FIRST AID MEASURES
Ensure physician has access to this MSDS.
Eyes: Check for and remove any contact lenses. Immediately flush eyes with large amounts of water for 20-30 minutes, lifting lower and upper lids. Get medical attention as soon as possible. Obtain medical attention if pain, blinking, tears or redness persists.
Skin: In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 20 minutes after removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse, clean shoes thoroughly before reuse. Get medical attention if irritation persists.
Inhalation: Not likely to have any adverse effects, however, if breathing becomes difficult, move to fresh air. If irritation persists, get medical attention.

Ingestion: Dilute by drinking water. Never give an unconscious person anything by mouth. Ingestion of small quantities, are not likely to pose a hazardous threat. Seek the advice of medical personnel as to whether or not to induce vomiting. If more than several mouthfuls are swallowed, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and diarrhea may occur. If large quantities are consumed, obtain immediate medical attention.
Notes to
 

rbh

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Mar 21, 2009
Messages
7,939
Re: Warning toxic antifreeze

As many have said, "(dry) air don't freeze"


Why waist your money on the pink stuff anyways??
 

PiratePast40

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Mar 21, 2009
Messages
1,734
Re: Warning toxic antifreeze

As many have said, "(dry) air don't freeze"


Why waist your money on the pink stuff anyways??

The part about filling the traps for gray water and black water tanks is why I use it. You really, really, really don't want those to go dry!
 

SS MAYFLOAT

Admiral
Joined
May 17, 2001
Messages
6,372
Re: Warning toxic antifreeze

I will never use anything other than water in my fresh water tanks. Eventually any chemical (even bleach) will leach into the plastic tanks creating a foul smell and taste. Gray water and holding tank yes. Potable water, I blow out my lines. Don't ever want to spend money for replacement tanks again.

Many chemicals depend on the strength of the concentrate to determine how many parts per million will be mixed with water that can determine the level of toxicity.

I learned many years ago about fresh water systems. That is why I never add anything but water to my tanks. I will sanitize using the proper measurements of sanitized to water ratio at the first of the season. Then it gets flushed out right away and never is allowed to sit in my system.

A shot of 151 can be toxic, but add it to a quart of water and it is less toxic.
 
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