Aircraft maintenance : Ban of Dihydrogen Monoxide.

[Homo Aeroportus]

Finally the day has come !

The ban on the use of DHMO solvent comes into force today after having been used for many years in aircraft maintenance activities ranging from preparation of surfaces prior to painting and even to engine performance restoration.
Dihydrogen monoxide is a mild solvent that is colourless and odourless, yet potentially dangerous. Among others, DHMO is known to be a significant part of acid rains and its molecular content is also found in strong chemicals such as H2SO4, Sulfuric Acid.

In its liquid form, absorption of large quantities of DHMO is damaging for the health; the first symptoms soon appear such as the urge to urinate. It can even be deadly when obstructing the respiratory tracts. Aircraft maintenance workers, as well as many others, also know well that the prolonged exposure of liquid DHMO causes skin tissue damages.
Equipment are also negatively affected by exposure to Dihydrogen monoxide, leading to corrosion on metals and failure of electrical apparatus.

Dihydrogen monoxide also exists in solid form when sufficiently cooled. When dispersed on the floor it can then be the cause of physical injuries e.g. by fall, leading to broken limb requiring plastering and sometimes hospitalization.

When brought to higher temperature, this solvent transforms into a dangerous vapour that may cause severe second-degree burns. The massive use of DHMO for ages may explain its presence in the clouds in the same vaporous form.

Of course, Dihydrogen monoxide is still and for long the chemical of choice for fire fighting for example. It is also essential to the maritime transport that would otherwise be brought to a halt. Similarly, the US and UK submarine force would be severely affected if the DHMO was to be totally removed. Some religious rituals would need to be re-assessed as well.

Finally, let’s hope that the ban that enters in force today in the professional world will also raise the general public awareness as to the danger of this solvent. Hopefully they will soon abandon the stupid habit of putting HDMO cubes in beverages or worse using it to dilute fermented grape juice !


More information can be found on the web site of the DHMO foundation : https://www.dhmo.org/facts.html

It is indeed an important day today.

H.A.

[Poiu]

It’s only dangerous when used in combination with another solvent known under the name APR01

[PttU]

It's always dangerous: look at what it can do to metal or even your haircut