Cleaning Dow 111 off skin - Page 3

#21: Post by **Marcelnl** » July 11th, 2016, 8:36 am

Most water based lubes are indeed some vegetable based fibre and water.

#22: Post by **OldNuc** » July 11th, 2016, 9:06 am

NSF H-1 classification which is all there is for supposed "food safe" means it is not by definition toxic. Does not mean you can bathe in it or intentionally get it on your bare skin or eat a big spoon full. Silicone immediately penetrates into the skin and is near impossible to remove with anything you want to put on your skin as they are all strong solvents (acetone, MEK, ethyl alcohol) and any of these will remove all skin oils including the silicone. Silicone penetrates automotive paints almost instantly and this is because of the very small size of the silicone molecule. Incidental contact is not harmful for most people but if you do not want to find out if you happen to be sensitive then wear gloves. I did copy the SDS info above of the expected consequences of exposure.

#23: Post by **billt** » July 12th, 2016, 6:13 am

Have you got any reference to silicone being a health hazard?

I've tried quite hard to find some reference and I can't find any, in fact quite the reverse. Everything I've found indicates that it is very safe.

#24: Post by **bettysnephew** » July 12th, 2016, 7:29 am

FWIW, I worked in maintenance in the packaged food industry (cereal, frosting and fruit snacks) and we used a dry spray silicone product called Slide to prevent sticking on equipment. The label lists it as safe in poultry plants and for "incidental" contact with food products. Not the same as 111 but at least not on the nuke it from orbit if in your facility list as some lubricants were. Personally I would be using McLaughlin Petro Gel for lubrication in areas of direct contact if it is acceptable to the machine manufacturer.

#25: Post by **OldNuc** » July 12th, 2016, 9:31 am

Silicone is not toxic but it rapidly penetrates into the skin. What penetrates will not wash out, only removed by time. This causes a localized skin drying and redness for some people. It is the responsibility of the user to check the SDS, formerly known as MSDS for products being used. Below is copied from a randomly selected SDS

8.2. Exposure controls
Process conditions
Use engineering controls to reduce air contamination to permissible exposure level. Provide eyewash station.
Engineering measures
All handling to take place in well-ventilated area.
Hand protection
Use suitable protective gloves if risk of skin contact. The most suitable glove must be chosen in consultation with the
gloves supplier, who can inform about the breakthrough time of the glove material. Gloves should conform to EN374
Eye protection
If risk of splashing, wear safety goggles or face shield. EN166
Other Protection
Wear appropriate clothing to prevent any possibility of skin contact.
Hygiene measures
DO NOT SMOKE IN WORK AREA! Wash hands at the end of each work shift and before eating, smoking and using the
toilet. Wash promptly if skin becomes wet or contaminated. Use appropriate skin cream to prevent drying of skin. When
using do not eat, drink or smoke.
Environmental Exposure Controls
Keep container tightly sealed when not in use.

#26: Post by **JohnB.** » July 12th, 2016, 9:34 am

You can open & view the Dow 111 Safety Data Sheet here: http://www.dowcorning.com/applications/ ... px?R=393EN

On page 1 it states that it is not a hazardous substance or mixture.

On page 6 it states that there is no acute oral, inhalation or dermal toxicity. It also states that it does not cause skin or eye irritation & that it does not cause skin sensitization. There's lots more info which you can read for yourself.

#27: Post by **billt** » July 12th, 2016, 11:48 am

OldNuc wrote:Silicone is not toxic but it rapidly penetrates into the skin.

I ask again. Do you have any reference for this statement, which is verging on the alarmist?

#28: Post by **OldNuc** » July 12th, 2016, 1:01 pm

I am finished with this subject. There is a big world of info on the various silicone compounds including silicone dioxide and the general PPE is to keep it off of you.

#29: Post by **drgary** » July 12th, 2016, 1:08 pm

Everyone, thanks for contributing your best thinking on this. Some of us have not had problems with DOW 111 getting on the skin, others suggest caution, different bodies react differently. Good sources and precautions have been posted, so please follow the approach that seems best for you.

#30: Post by **OldNuc** » July 14th, 2016, 2:09 pm

shawndo wrote:I have a feeling this is basic knowledge that I'm just missing, but my search skills are failing me today.

What is the best practice for cleaning up after you've reassembled everything and got Dow 111 all over everything?
Is there a special soap or something made for this?

This is a link to the Haynes Silicone Grease SDS: http://haynesmfg.com/wp-content/uploads ... e-2015.pdf
This is a link to the Technical Data Information: http://haynesmfg.com/wp-content/uploads ... Grease.pdf

These provide the technically correct answer from the manufacturer of the product.