Is white spirits pure alcohol?
White spirit is a mixture of chemicals. In the UK, white spirit is also commonly known as turpentine substitute, Stoddard solvent, mineral spirits and paint thinner.
Can you smell white spirit?
Mineral spirits have a characteristic unpleasant kerosene-like odor. Chemical manufacturers have developed a low odor version of mineral turpentine which contains less of the highly volatile shorter hydrocarbons.
Is the smell of white spirit harmful to cats?
White spirit is extremely toxic to cats and every effort should be made to ensure they can't come into contact with it. Immediate veterinary assistance should be sought if you suspect your cat has been exposed to petroleum distillate.
Is white spirit the same as surgical?
No, it is not. Surgical spirit is a mix of alcohols. White spirit is a synonym for mineral spirits – which is a petroleum distillate fraction consisting (primarily) of alkanes.
What happens if you inhale white spirit?
Breathing in white spirit vapours may cause irritation of the nose, throat and lungs, shortness of breath, stomach upset, dizziness, headache, lack of coordination and drowsiness. Exposure to very high concentrations via inhalation may cause symptoms similar to those seen following ingestion.
How do you get rid of white spirit fumes?
Using bicarbonate of soda can neutralise the smell of white spirit. However, the best thing to do is simply let the white spirit evaporate, which it will do pretty quickly. If you have spilt a lot of white spirit, clean up as much as you can, wearing gloves and a respirator, and then leave the rest to evaporate.
Is white spirit poisonous to dogs?
Ingestion of a large volume or inhalation of white spirit (eg following a spill in an enclosed space) could result in CNS depression with ataxia, disorientation, tremor, drowsiness and, in (rare) severe cases, coma. Tremors and convulsions may also occur but are rare.
How long does white spirit take to dry?
It is necessary to allow the mineral spirits to dry, before applying finishes. This usually takes from 15 to 20 minutes. You'll be able to tell when the wood is dry, because it will no longer look wet, but will have returned to looking dry, as it did before you started.
How do you dispose of white spirit after cleaning brushes?
White spirit is hazardous waste, therefore cannot be disposed of the drain. The best approach is to contact your local authorities who offer collection services for such waste. They provide a hazardous waste collection site where you conveniently drop off the waste, and they make arrangements for pick-up.
Does white spirit evaporate completely?
Mineral spirits do evaporate completely, meaning that you won't have to take any extra steps to clean it off after applying it to a surface. You can use the mineral spirits, forget about it for some time, and it will be gone by the time you come back.
Is turpentine the same as white spirit?
What is the difference between white spirit and turpentine? Turpentine is made of the natural resin extracted from trees, and white spirit is made of petroleum distillate. White Spirit tends to be less flammable and less toxic than turpentine.
What is white spirits for cleaning?
White Spirit is a solvent designed for thinning paints and varnishes, cleaning brushes and general household degreasing and cleaning.