Canned Air & Frostbite

Canned air is used to clean computer and other electronic equipment. The cans contain both gas and liquid, and the liquid, which can cause frostbite, can escape if the cans are tilted while being used.

Contents

• A can of "canned air" does not actually contain air. The can contains mostly gas that has been compressed into liquid form, with a layer of nonliquid gas on top.

Frostbite Danger

• When you spray canned air, the gas escaping from the can expands. That uses energy, which in turn cools down the surrounding area. The compressed liquid can become very cold -- cold enough to freeze the skin, causing serious frostbite.

Precautions

• Make sure that only the gas, and not the compressed liquid, gets out of the can. The liquid can escape if the can is tilted or held upside down, so be sure to always hold the can upright when you are spraying.