About Aerosol Can Safety
Aerosol cans have made the storage and application of a wide variety of products more convenient than ever before. From medicine to cosmetics, aerosols have made life easier.
However, as with most products, there are precautions that need to be taken in order to ensure your safety when using aerosols. Here are some things to keep in mind when using aerosol products.
1. Aerosol cans are pressurized
Never puncture or attempt to dismantle an aerosol can, as the sudden loss in pressure can result in what is essentially an unguided missile. It also releases the product and propellant in the aerosol can, which in some cases are toxic.
High temperatures increase the pressure in an aerosol can, potentially to the point of explosion. Never store aerosol cans at temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Never store aerosol cans in your car—even in the winter—as temperatures can rise dramatically. Keep them away from sources of heat such as stoves, radiators, space heaters, and (of course) open flames.
2. Aerosol cans may contain hazardous ingredients
Depending on the product, some aerosol cans may contain hazardous ingredients. They will usually have a warning label. Always follow the precautions listed on the warning label.
These precautions may include:
• Keep away from children
• Keep away from eyes and/or skin
• Use product in a well ventilated area
• Or a warning about the product being flammable
3. The product inside the aerosol can may be flammable
If the product or propellant in the can is flammable, then do not smoke while using the product; do not use it around an open flame; and do not use it around a heat source such as a radiator, stove, or space heater.
4. Proper disposal
If there is still product in an aerosol can, it must be treated as hazardous waste. Do not attempt to puncture the can to drain the remaining product. Recycling plants and hazardous waste facilities have the proper equipment to safely puncture aerosol cans.
