Bobby, brake fluid goes right through your skin to cause liver damage. It is really nasty stuff.
Sometimes well meaning misinformation is passed along. Here is an excerpt form the MSDS sheet.
Product/Chemical Name: DOT 3 BRAKE FLUID
Acute Effects
Inhalation:
Vapors are mildly to markedly irritating to the lungs depending on the exposure level.
Eye:
Causes severe irritation experienced as discomfort or pain,
excess blinking and tear production, with marked excess redness and swelling of the conjunctiva.
Skin:
No adverse effects expected with exposure to skin. Brief contact may cause slight irritation.
Prolonged contact, as with clothing wetted with material, may cause more severe irritation and
discomfort, seen as local redness and swelling.
Ingestion:
Ingestion may be fatal. May cause abdominal discomfort, nausea, and vomiting. May
produce central nervous system depression and kidney damage.
Carcinogenicity:
This compound contains no ingredients at concentration of 0.1% or greater that
are carcinogens or suspect carcinogens.
Medical Conditions Aggravated by Long-Term Exposure:
Pre-existing skin, eye, and respiratory disorders may be aggravated by exposure to this
product. Impaired kidney function from pre-existing disorders may be aggravated
by exposure to this product.
Chronic Effects:
Repeated exposure may result in drying of the skin and mucous membranes,causing irritation and dryness.
Section 4 - First Aid Measures
Inhalation:
Remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult,
give oxygen. Call a physician.
Eye Contact:
Immediately flush eyes
with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting lower and
upper eyelids occasionally. Get medical attention immediately.
Skin Contact:
Remove any contaminated clothing. Wash skin with soap and water for at least 15
minutes. Get medical attention if irritation develops or persists. Wash clothing before reuse.
Ingestion:
Do not induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Acetone on the other hand:
Primary Routes of Exposure
Inhalation, ingestion, skin, and eye contact.
HAZARD CLASSIFICATION
Acute Effects
Central nervous system depression is the most common effect, resembling intoxication by ethyl alcohol. Excitation is followed by impaired motor coordination, slurred speech, sensory
disturbances such as double vision and vertigo, flushing of the face, rapid pulse, and sweating. Nausea and vomiting are common. Other symptoms include dryness of the mouth and
throat, headache, sleepiness, dizziness, light-headedness, weakness, and loss of energy. Very high exposures may cause unconsciousness, coma, or death. Kidney toxicity may occur but
is rare following acute exposure. Post-alcoholic headache and gastritis are common in recovery. Inhalation exposure may cause lung irritation and cough. Skin contact may result in redness, irritation, and dermatitis since acetone has a drying effect on the skin. Contact with eyes can result in irritation and eye injury.
Chronic Effects
Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat are the most common problems associated with chronic exposure to acetone. Central nervous system effects such as dizziness and sleepiness can occu
r, as can dryness, irritation, and inflammation of the skin.
Carcinogenic
Acetone is not considered carcinogenic by OSHA, NIOSH, NTP, IARC or EPA.
Potential Adverse Chemical Interactions Acetone may increase the toxicity to the liver and kidney of chemicals such as ethanol, 1, 2-dichloroethylene, and chloroform.
Humans with liver or kidney disease may be at increased risk due to this potentiation effect
Some of the chemicals we have used in our lives were quite dangerous.
