I think this is a case where I will agree with Mike - sometimes, this information is just not really helpful to the average user. I will give a few thoughts here and then address some more specific points, posted by others.
Butyl, by whatever name you want to use, is indeed a harmful solvent. By that, it is classfied as harmful - it can cause harmful effects and it is, additionally, a low level skin and eye irritant. Now, that might sound scary, but now you need a bit of perspective. Your gasoline, that is not harmful, that is toxic. Many of the solvents in your waxes and sealants would be classified as harmful. Some of the surfactants would be harmful. Some of the exotic products, for instance the bleeding fallout removers (pretty much all of them) contain one or other of a class of chemical which is again, not only harmful, but notably toxic. So right away, I would say that the concern is over blown.
Next up, active level. With the level of harm for butyl, you need greater than 25% (EU regulations) before a product would carry the harmful classification. If you care to study the numbers, you will see that the inclusion level in your products is notably less than this (generally). Then consider that we generally dilute these products and you suddenly find that there is a really tiny quantity in the mixture you spray or apply. Compare this to something like a bleeding fallout remover where you apply a high percentage of a much more harmful ingredient, without dilution, and you should again conclude that the danger from the butyl is rather limited.
Now - some specific comments...
I believe it causes headaches and probably isn't good to repeatedly get on your skin over the course of years. It may be labeled as butyl. I try to stay away from it. It's mostly found it very cheap products, as it's very cheap to produce.
Actually, butyl is not actually cheap and nasty. It actually tends to be significantly more costly than isopropanol (for example). It is used in any number of products because it is very effective. I would make little distinction between presence in cheap and expensive products because all cost groups tend to use it in one form or another. There are alternatives which are less harmful and cost about the same - but the unfortunate reality is that they are not as effective.
If you want to focus on a cheap nasty, look to caustic hydroxides - much much higher risk to person and vehicle that butyl and much better alternative that can perform equally.
OH NO! The d-limonene argument. I knew it was coming. :laughing:
Is it safer than 2-butoxyethanol? Seems to depend on who you ask and what their agenda is.
I feel like d-limonene is probably safer for humans but not so good for our fish friends.
D-limonene is not a solvent you can really compare. D-limonene is a non-polar solvent which is totally immiscible in water, unless a surfactant system is present. Butyl is (mostly) water soluble and actually can work to help other things with becoming more compatible with water.
Butyl has the phrase:
Harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed
D-limonene has
Harmful: may cause lung damage if swallowed
So D-limonene should not be mistaken for an innocuous bit of fluff. Further, whilst butyl is a skin irritant (albeit, at activity levels above 20%), d-limonene is a skin sensitiser and this sets in at levels of only 1%!
So there are arguments either way...
However...
Potassium Hydroxide is a: NO-NO around wheels and other vehicle components...Most "hydroxides" are.
Bob
Absolutely Bob! Why does this crucial bit of info seem to be so thoroughly unappreciated?! Hydroxides are superb cleaners and are extremely alkaline. In some regards, they are the hydrochloric/brick acid of the alkaline world. They will cause hazing of glass, they will dissolve aluminium and can damage other sensitive metals. Metasilicates are a fair alternative but cost perhaps 10x the amount in terms of activity. In weaker products like APC (yes, weak - inspite of what you might think, your concentrated APC is one of the lesser strength products out there!), it is easy to replace. In higher strength products, for instance traffic film removers, it is impossible to replace because there are not enough percentage points available! Long story short, why are you using a detailing product with hydroxide in it? Are you actually using something much cheaper and nastier than it pretends to be!?
What's your take on alkylphenol ethoxylates (APE's)?
Bob
Another good point. In fact, APEs are generically banned in the EU, such is their potential hazard (although much of the reasoning is down to environmental hazards).
Yes, they are made from the citrus rinds, for the most part neutral ph too. The citrus is a natural degreaser. I have been using them for over 15 years. Butyl based cleaners are usually over kill. I recommend always starting with the least aggressive cleaner first.
It comes from that source but don't mistake that for meaning the solvent is safe! I should also point out, as per above, d-limonene is not water miscible. As such, it is not pH neutral, it simple does not have a pH. If you add it to water, it will separate. If someone talks about the pH of a solvent like d-limonene, you need to be very cautious because it is a bit like talking about a man's menstrual cycle. Butyl IS water miscible and will mix with water... without modifying the pH notable. If you wanted to accuse one of these solvents of being pH neutral, it would have to be butyl.
I should also note at this point that, just because your pH meter gives you a reading, does not mean that you know the pH! Some things simple do not have a pH but your meter doesn't know this so lord knows what the number mean!
Summary: Don't worry so much! Butyl is not an innocent solvent, but there are many more dangerous ingredients which you will use without ever realising.
