David_Campen
Enlightened
Re: Smelly Lithium 123s
Read an MSDS for food grade ethanol, it would say almost the same.
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David_Campen
Enlightened
Re: Smelly Lithium 123s
In fact here is text from an MSDS for ethyl alcohol. It is a bit nasty!
http://www.nafaa.org/ethanol.pdf
Material Safety Data Sheet
Ethyl Alcohol, 70%
...
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW
Appearance: colorless clear liquid. Flash Point: 16.6 deg C. Flammable liquid and vapor. May cause central nervous
system depression. Causes severe eye irritation. Causes respiratory tract irritation. Causes moderate skin irritation.
This substance has caused adverse reproductive and fetal effects in humans. Warning! May cause liver, kidney and
heart damage.
Target Organs: Kidneys, heart, central nervous system, liver.
Potential Health Effects
Eye: Causes severe eye irritation. May cause painful sensitization to light. May cause chemical conjunctivitis and corneal
damage.
Skin: Causes moderate skin irritation. May cause cyanosis of the extremities.
Ingestion: May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. May cause systemic toxicity with
acidosis. May cause central nervous system depression, characterized by excitement, followed by headache, dizziness,
drowsiness, and nausea. Advanced stages may cause collapse, unconsciousness, coma and possible death due to
respiratory failure.
Inhalation: Inhalation of high concentrations may cause central nervous system effects characterized by nausea,
headache, dizziness, unconsciousness and coma. Causes respiratory tract irritation. May cause narcotic effects in high
concentration. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation.
Chronic: May cause reproductive and fetal effects. Laboratory experiments have resulted in mutagenic effects. Animal
studies have reported the development of tumors. Prolonged exposure may cause liver, kidney, and heart damage.
Section 4 - First Aid Measures
Eyes: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids.
Get medical aid. Gently lift eyelids and flush continuously with water.
Skin: Get medical aid. Flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and
shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. Flush skin with plenty of soap and water.
Ingestion: Do NOT induce vomiting. If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give
anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid.
Inhalation: Remove from exposure and move to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If
breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical aid. Do NOT use mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
In fact here is text from an MSDS for ethyl alcohol. It is a bit nasty!
http://www.nafaa.org/ethanol.pdf
Material Safety Data Sheet
Ethyl Alcohol, 70%
...
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW
Appearance: colorless clear liquid. Flash Point: 16.6 deg C. Flammable liquid and vapor. May cause central nervous
system depression. Causes severe eye irritation. Causes respiratory tract irritation. Causes moderate skin irritation.
This substance has caused adverse reproductive and fetal effects in humans. Warning! May cause liver, kidney and
heart damage.
Target Organs: Kidneys, heart, central nervous system, liver.
Potential Health Effects
Eye: Causes severe eye irritation. May cause painful sensitization to light. May cause chemical conjunctivitis and corneal
damage.
Skin: Causes moderate skin irritation. May cause cyanosis of the extremities.
Ingestion: May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. May cause systemic toxicity with
acidosis. May cause central nervous system depression, characterized by excitement, followed by headache, dizziness,
drowsiness, and nausea. Advanced stages may cause collapse, unconsciousness, coma and possible death due to
respiratory failure.
Inhalation: Inhalation of high concentrations may cause central nervous system effects characterized by nausea,
headache, dizziness, unconsciousness and coma. Causes respiratory tract irritation. May cause narcotic effects in high
concentration. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation.
Chronic: May cause reproductive and fetal effects. Laboratory experiments have resulted in mutagenic effects. Animal
studies have reported the development of tumors. Prolonged exposure may cause liver, kidney, and heart damage.
Section 4 - First Aid Measures
Eyes: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids.
Get medical aid. Gently lift eyelids and flush continuously with water.
Skin: Get medical aid. Flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and
shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. Flush skin with plenty of soap and water.
Ingestion: Do NOT induce vomiting. If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give
anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid.
Inhalation: Remove from exposure and move to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If
breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical aid. Do NOT use mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
OutdoorIdiot
Enlightened
Re: Smelly Lithium 123s
I agree with your point entirely.
I showed someone a data sheet for caffiene once, with the "caffiene" reference blanked out. They guessed it was referring to caustic soda.
That said, I wouldn't snort food-grade ethanol.
David_Campen said:
I agree with your point entirely.
I showed someone a data sheet for caffiene once, with the "caffiene" reference blanked out. They guessed it was referring to caustic soda.
That said, I wouldn't snort food-grade ethanol.
OutdoorIdiot
Enlightened
Re: Smelly Lithium 123s
Yes, point taken. I think a large percentage of the population who drink alcohol knows it has some side-effects.
However so many people are exposed to it, that we have a good feel for it's health impact.
What I'm trying to get to the bottom of here, is what exactly is coming out of these batteries and whether it is anything to be concerned about. If it is a substance that people are not generally exposed to, and the MSDS for it indicates there are health problems, then it is best to be cautious.
David_Campen said:
Yes, point taken. I think a large percentage of the population who drink alcohol knows it has some side-effects.
However so many people are exposed to it, that we have a good feel for it's health impact.
What I'm trying to get to the bottom of here, is what exactly is coming out of these batteries and whether it is anything to be concerned about. If it is a substance that people are not generally exposed to, and the MSDS for it indicates there are health problems, then it is best to be cautious.
David_Campen
Enlightened
Re: Smelly Lithium 123s
I suspect that what you have smelled is the dimethoxyethane or a similar ether. It is probably a good idea to not bathe in the stuff.
Dimethoxyethane is in a class of compounds sometimes called glycol ethers. here is more about glycol ethers:
http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ohb/HESIS/glycols.htm
I suspect that what you have smelled is the dimethoxyethane or a similar ether. It is probably a good idea to not bathe in the stuff.
Dimethoxyethane is in a class of compounds sometimes called glycol ethers. here is more about glycol ethers:
http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ohb/HESIS/glycols.htm
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OutdoorIdiot
Enlightened
Re: Smelly Lithium 123s
I've got a response to the email I sent to a battery manufacturer.
The question I asked was:
The response was
So, in conclusion:
I've got a response to the email I sent to a battery manufacturer.
The question I asked was:
The response was
So, in conclusion:
- "Flashahol" is 1,2-Dimethoxy Ethane
- You can make up your own mind about how safe you think that is, by, for example:
- Reading a MSDS on the substance
- Looking at David_Campens' Link http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ohb/HESIS/glycols.htm
- Reading a
lebox97
Enlightened
Re: Smelly Lithium 123s *OFFICIAL RESPONSE FROM MANUFACTURER*
:thinking:
I love the legal/CYA dance that people come up with ...
"it should not pose safety or health concerns"
there is also,
"practically non-toxic"
"sorta pregnant"
ayyayay :shrug:
:thinking:
I love the legal/CYA dance that people come up with ...
"it should not pose safety or health concerns"
there is also,
"practically non-toxic"
"sorta pregnant"
ayyayay :shrug:
Re: Smelly Lithium 123s *OFFICIAL RESPONSE FROM MANUFACTURER*
Guys, the amount of stuff you are breathing is practically nil. You're doing yourself more harm when you fill your gas tank - unless you are careful enough never to smell the gas. On the other hand, I wouldn't go around deliberately sniffing the stuff like some have indicated...
Sam
Guys, the amount of stuff you are breathing is practically nil. You're doing yourself more harm when you fill your gas tank - unless you are careful enough never to smell the gas. On the other hand, I wouldn't go around deliberately sniffing the stuff like some have indicated...
Sam
Re: Smelly Lithium 123s *OFFICIAL RESPONSE FROM MANUFACTURER*
Hmm...I just have a funny thinking:
When this "gas" escape/evoporate, is they anything to do with the battery capacity or its performance over time? Like in our automobile battery (not maintenance-free battery) when water level too low it will spoil the battery.
Hope someone will enlighten me
Hmm...I just have a funny thinking:
When this "gas" escape/evoporate, is they anything to do with the battery capacity or its performance over time? Like in our automobile battery (not maintenance-free battery) when water level too low it will spoil the battery.
Hope someone will enlighten me
Sigman
* The Arctic Moderator *
Re: Smelly Lithium 123s *OFFICIAL RESPONSE FROM MANUFACTURER*
Bumped to the top as a result of a similar closed thread...
Bumped to the top as a result of a similar closed thread...
Funky Smell when I open up my CR123 Flashlights
I've been nevous even since I read those threads where some flashlights exploded because of gas that was discharged from the batteries.
I just happened to open up the battery compartment in my Inova X5, X0, and Brinkmann Maxfire, and if I stick my nose in and take a whiff, it stinks like a racid "gassy" smell. What is going on here?
I've been nevous even since I read those threads where some flashlights exploded because of gas that was discharged from the batteries.
I just happened to open up the battery compartment in my Inova X5, X0, and Brinkmann Maxfire, and if I stick my nose in and take a whiff, it stinks like a racid "gassy" smell. What is going on here?
Illum
Flashaholic
Re: Funky Smell when I open up my CR123 Flashlights
not by the gas, but from the two theories,
one being a manufacturing flaw that caused the cell to short itself during discharge or under higher-than-normal working temperature.
the other following the inability for non-rechargeable lithium primaries to tolerate incoming charge, so under a high drain, multicell state cells with different remaining charge states are used together, it may cause one cell to reverse charge the other.
the explosions useally occur within the cell body, not outside the body. If you look at the thread pics, each of the reacted cells have their guts ejected
natural release of hydrogen and or other gasses normal during the discharge of the cells I guess.
I know exactly what your talking about [Inova fan here] since I've had similar alarms after finding this sweet and sour odor coming from my lithium stash and lights.
Inovas use a special type of grease i cand figure out what, but upon inquiry they said it was white lithium grease...it doesnt smell like WLG to me
Im assuming its not as toxic as the lithium byproducts after short induced oxidation...since I've had plenty of contacts to the gases in a closed enviroment with no problems, but I wouldn't go around sniffing cells though
Bill97z said:
not by the gas, but from the two theories,
one being a manufacturing flaw that caused the cell to short itself during discharge or under higher-than-normal working temperature.
the other following the inability for non-rechargeable lithium primaries to tolerate incoming charge, so under a high drain, multicell state cells with different remaining charge states are used together, it may cause one cell to reverse charge the other.
the explosions useally occur within the cell body, not outside the body. If you look at the thread pics, each of the reacted cells have their guts ejected
natural release of hydrogen and or other gasses normal during the discharge of the cells I guess.
I know exactly what your talking about [Inova fan here] since I've had similar alarms after finding this sweet and sour odor coming from my lithium stash and lights.
Inovas use a special type of grease i cand figure out what, but upon inquiry they said it was white lithium grease...it doesnt smell like WLG to me
Im assuming its not as toxic as the lithium byproducts after short induced oxidation...since I've had plenty of contacts to the gases in a closed enviroment with no problems, but I wouldn't go around sniffing cells though
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ACMarina
Flashlight Enthusiast
Re: Funky Smell when I open up my CR123 Flashlights
Perfectly normal.. don't worry about it, but I also wouldn't go sniffing it for fun..
Perfectly normal.. don't worry about it, but I also wouldn't go sniffing it for fun..
powernoodle
Flashlight Enthusiast
Re: Funky Smell when I open up my CR123 Flashlights
These batteries release aerosolized vitamins and antioxidants, which are recommended for optimal health. Take a deep sniff whenever possible.
These batteries release aerosolized vitamins and antioxidants, which are recommended for optimal health. Take a deep sniff whenever possible.
alanagnostic
Enlightened
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2006
- Messages
- 337
Re: Funky Smell when I open up my CR123 Flashlights
I kinda like the smell of lithiums when I open a flashlight or case they're in. Everytime I smell it I'm doing something that I love....playing with my lights.
I kinda like the smell of lithiums when I open a flashlight or case they're in. Everytime I smell it I'm doing something that I love....playing with my lights.
Illum
Flashaholic
Re: Funky Smell when I open up my CR123 Flashlights
um....remind me to mail you the bill when I end up in the ER
[only kidding]
really? thats interesting, link on this apparent research?
erm, by the way...this topic has been discussed many times
http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=9212
(Moderator note: Thanks for the links Illum...I just merged them all into one thread!)
powernoodle said:
um....remind me to mail you the bill when I end up in the ER
[only kidding
]really? thats interesting, link on this apparent research?
erm, by the way...this topic has been discussed many times
http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=9212
(Moderator note: Thanks for the links Illum...I just merged them all into one thread!)
Last edited by a moderator:
pathalogical
Enlightened
Re: Funky Smell when I open up my CR123 Flashlights
Hmmm...I'll stick to Liquid Paper.powernoodle said:
cutlerylover
Banned
Re: Funky Smell when I open up my CR123 Flashlights
Same here, every single CR123 light I ever had spoted that same rancid odor...I got nervous after readign about that guy who accidentally smelled a venting CR123 and the acid started eatign his lungs and throat and he had to go to ER cause he was having trouble breathing...but Im sure thats alot different sicne it was venting, and what we are smelling is more normal I guess? I don't know, but thats just another reason why for ther most part I try to keep away fromCR123's...
Same here, every single CR123 light I ever had spoted that same rancid odor...I got nervous after readign about that guy who accidentally smelled a venting CR123 and the acid started eatign his lungs and throat and he had to go to ER cause he was having trouble breathing...but Im sure thats alot different sicne it was venting, and what we are smelling is more normal I guess? I don't know, but thats just another reason why for ther most part I try to keep away fromCR123's...
jayflash
Flashlight Enthusiast
Re: Funky Smell when I open up my CR123 Flashlights
Goes to illuminate the wide differences that exist between humans (and some of us near-humans). I like the fragrance of most VOCs including the ether-like odor released from primary lithium cells. Naphtha, lacquer thinner, turpentine, gasoline, and linseed oil would all make pleasing eau de colognes.
Goes to illuminate the wide differences that exist between humans (and some of us near-humans). I like the fragrance of most VOCs including the ether-like odor released from primary lithium cells. Naphtha, lacquer thinner, turpentine, gasoline, and linseed oil would all make pleasing eau de colognes.
