Physan 20 use
 

Would someone please advise me about the use of Physan 20? I have read posts where people discuss Physan quite casually as if it were perfectly harmless. On my bottle of Physan 20, however, there are dire warnings about its use. Its said to do irreparable damage if you get it in your eyes. It advises you to cover your eyes and the rest of your face, to wear gloves and long sleeves and to discard any clothing on which it has been spilled. Why are so many people using it if it is so dangerous?

The reason I am interested is because I have some fungus problems on a couple of Cattleyas.

LOL!
 

I just looked at the label, LOL, those warnings are quite dire!
http://www.physan.com/PAGES/Physan20_8oz_Label.pdf

Physan 20 is nothing but benzyl alkyl ammonium chlorides, very benign. Dilute it some and you have Bactine or any number of other OTC antiseptics.
Bactine - Original First Aid Liquid

The same materials are also used in swimming pool waters, to sanitize spa waters and also to sanitize drinking water systems.

I would be careful to not splash the concentrated material in my eyes but if I did a few minute water flush of the eye would be all that I would do. I certainly wouldn't bother with any Personal Protective Equipment when using Physan 20.

Why the dire warnings? Because it is being used as a pesticide - Government regulations - everyone knows that pesticides are dangerous, LOL!

feel better
 

Thanks, David, for the info. I never did understand chemistry! I feel better now about using the product.

Michel

Yeah, I wondered that myself but I just figured they were being overly "sensitive" to avoid any potential lawsuits.

There are so many household items that if you read their labels they sound quite dangerous indeed. Yet, I have never had a problem with any of them, nor any one that I know personally.

Welcome to OB. Glad you joined us.
:welcomeflowers:

thanks
 

Thanks for the welcome Connie. This is really a great site. I got my question answered quickly and knowledgeably.

Hi,

I just wanted to add few comments. I work in a laboratory setting so I have experience with very dangerous chemicals and safety is very important to me. Whether it is an industrial chemical or a household item, it is always a good idea to ask questions about the hazards of the chemical. A good source to find information are "Material Safety Data Sheets" (aka MSDS). Here is one for Physan 20

http://www.igrowhydro.com/pest_and_D...san20-MSDS.pdf

MSDS should have information on how dangerous chemical is, whether it has any chronic hazards, and most importantly what proper protective equipment one should use.

One thing to understand is how long you are exposed to a chemical, how much, and how frequently. Typically MSDS covers worst case scenarios, but the possible dangers should not be taken lightly, after all it's our health.

Physan 20 MSDS recommends to wear Rubber or Neoprene gloves (Nitrlie are very good too) and a face shield or chemical goggles. MSDS also recommends to use this product in a well ventilated areas. While this sounds extreme for a household product, at the very least, safety glasses are a good idea in-case the product gets in the eyes. Ventilation is also important.

Sorry if I sound scary with the chemical danger. Usually with proper use and appropriate protective equipment it is safe to use majority of chemicals. The key is to check MSDS for guidelines.

Just thought I could be of some help.

Thanks for the above answer and Michel thanks for asking! I just had to smile when I read your post as I have physan in my posession. I have only used it once (can't even remember Why?) & thought ohhhhh that smells really "strong" It has since been sitting in my cupboard - Also it is not available in Europe

Gee, how can I put this delicately; so are you saying that when I apply Bactine antiseptic to a cut I should first place a heavy rubber glove over the cut so that I don't get any of the nasty benzyl alkyl ammonium chlorides on my skin? But then how does the Bactine disinfect the cut?

The Physan website says:

EPA approved for use directly on plants
Broad spectrum disinfectant
Environmentally friendly
Pleasant odor
Will not discolor skin
No reentry restrictions for hard surface use
Use of gloves not required with diluted solution
Cost effective use rate
Good wetting agent
Leaves bacteriostatic residue
Biodegradable

All i was trying is to point out that some things can be hazardous and dismissing danger labels because of a notion that labels are only there to prevent potential lawsuits can be misleading.

While it is true that diluted solution poses no immediate risk, as you pointed out yourself, concentrate can splash in the eye. Things happen, an open bottle can slip out and you may get a splash on hands, clothes and eyes. I just think it is good to protect ourselves whenever possible. Why risk it if I can prevent it? Wearing safety glasses can help and it is our choice to wear them or not. As far as "heavy rubber gloves" go, latex rubber and Nitrile gloves are hardly "heavy". Again, it is our choice to wear those or not as well. The label is simply there to inform us.

On a side note, there is a difference between disinfecting a cut and handling chemical for hours. Chemical exposure is related to length of time and frequency of use. While isopropyl alcohol is widely used for disinfecting, I wouldn't want to handle it for several hours for other purposes without gloves either.

I did not mean to anger anyone. I was simply hoping to provide more information out there. My apologies.


:)