i am a mechanic and i have heard that burning antifreeze (ethylene glycol) produces mustard gas or something like it. this concerns me cause there are instances where i might be exposed to burning antifreeze such as spilling some on a hot engine.
2007-11-30 03:20:56 · 3 answers · asked by pimpjon 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
well if not mustard gas, does it make toxic fumes when burned?
2007-11-30 05:28:42 · update #1
Ethylene glycol contains only hydrogen, carbon and oxygen. Mustard gas contains sulfur and chlorine. It is absolutely impossible to produce even a molecule of mustard gas by burning ethylene glycol. You're safe.
2007-11-30 03:32:09 · answer #1 · answered by astazangasta 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ethylene glycol, not "mustard gas"
It may contain heavy metals (copper, lead, zinc) or other contaminants from gas or oil that increase the level of hazard posed by ethylene glycol and could be a characteristic hazardous waste.
Waste ethylene glycol should be handled responsibly, recycled or turned over to professional service personnel for proper disposal. Waste ethylene glycol should not be drained onto the ground or into rainwater storm drainage systems. Most antifreeze/coolant manufacturers recommend that used antifreeze be collected and disposed according to local laws. Although some sanitary sewer systems may allow household generated quantities of ethylene glycol to be disposed in the sewer system, it is a good idea to check with the local waste water treatment plant operator since it may contain contaminants from its use. Do not flush ethylene glycol into a septic tank or a storm water system. Antifreeze recyclers are identified in the state recycling directory.
New technology has developed ways to recycle used antifreeze that allow the old antifreeze to be cleaned up and given a fresh charge of corrosion inhibitors. Consult the state recycling directory or with your state recycling association office.
2007-11-30 11:31:26 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Simply not true. Mustard gas is very nasty stuff, but contains elements (sulfur and chlorine) that are just not there in antifreeze.
I think if you spilled some on a VERY hot engine, you might still get some quite nasty fumes, but you would if you spilt almost anything.
2007-11-30 11:27:00 · answer #3 · answered by Facts Matter 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋