|  | Public Health Safety | Work Safety

Hazards of Correction Fluid

Correction fluid poses little hazard for ordinary use, but it contains chemicals that pose risks to your health and the environment if they are used improperly. Take note of additional warnings included on the label of the specific brand of correction fluid. Never use correction fluid for anything other than its intended purpose. You can find detailed information on the formula and safety data for specific brands by reading the material safety data sheet (MSDS), which can be found on the manufacturer's website, or you can check Ohio State University's Safety Page for the brand you use.

  1. Health Risks

    • Chemicals commonly used in correction fluids can be harmful to you, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Information released by the National Library of Medicine states that organic-based solvents, or volatile organic compounds (VOC), are associated with symptoms such as eye and nose irritation, nausea and dizziness. These symptoms depend on what kind of VOC is used, so consult the product's MSDS. A Health Effects Fact Sheet released by the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment suggests that consistent exposure to even low levels of VOC can have long-term effects on your kidney and liver.

    Abusing Correction Fluid

    • Inhaling correction fluid fumes is dangerous if you are exposed to more than is normal for typical use. Effects vary, and range from dizziness and nausea to, in extreme cases, coma or death. According to the National Library of Science, federal and state governments in the U.S. launched a public awareness campaign in the early 1990s about the dangers of deliberately inhaling fumes from household products, including correction fluid, in response to data that showed it was a growing trend among teens and young adults.

    Environmental Effects

    • Many of the chemicals in correction fluid that are dangerous to inhale or ingest are also harmful to the environment. Some are classified as hazardous materials under environmental laws. Always dispose of unused correction fluid properly. According to Environment Canada, volatile organic compounds are known to be a major cause of ground-level ozone formation.

    Fire Hazards

    • Most brands of correction fluid are flammable. Keep them away from extreme heat, sparks and open flames. Manufacturers will include information on the product's flash point and other fire hazards on the label, their website or MSDA for the product.

Work Safety - Related Articles