David,

At my company I have been asked to look into replacing MEK with something
less hazardous and just as effective.  So far I haven't found anything.  I
am not giving up on this.  Justification on why not to use this is easy,
just read the MSDS.

"Extremely flammable.  Inhalation may cause irritability to the nose and
throat.  Concentration above the TLV may cause headache, dizziness, nausea,
shortness of breath and vomiting.  High concentration may cause central
nervous system depression and unconsciousness.  Ingestion may cause
irritability to digestive tract with abdomen spasms, nausea and vomiting.
Large doses may cause narcosis.  May cause irritation and discoloration to
skin.  Vapors or irritation to eyes.  Splashes may produce painful
irritation and eye damage.  Prolonged skin contact may produce dermatitis."

This product is not listed by IARC, NTP or OSHA as a carcinogen.  Why I do
not know.  Look at everything it does to the human body.

Methyl-ethyl-ketone is not listed in Schedule 1 of the Ozone Protection Act
1989 of the Commonwealth, and therefore this substance is not regulated in
the ACT under the Ozone Protection Regulations 1997.

I have been talking with a company called Enviro Tech.  Their number is
1-708-343-6641 contact name--Dan Duerkop.

Kathie Lucas
L-3 Communications
[log in to unmask]
1-801-594-3394
> -----Original Message-----
> From: David Hipp [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Thursday, September 02, 1999 9:25 AM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      [TN] Flux Removal with MEK
>
> TechNetters - some of our assembly techs use MEK to remove flux. I know
> MEK
> is potent and probably shouldn't be used for flux removal. What I need is
> some justification WHY we shouldn't use MEK.
>
> We are soldering 22 gauge stranded wire to connector lugs and microswitch
> turret terminals. This assembly is part of a fuel control for commercial
> fanjet engines. We use Sb5WS (Tin 94%, Lead 0.2%, Antimony 4-6%) solder
> and
> Kester 197 Flux, which is type RMA.
>
> Any help is appreciated.
>
> Regards,
> Dave Hipp
> Woodward Aircraft Engine Systems
> Electrical Production Engineering
> (815) 639-6732
> FAX (815) 636-6040
>
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