fuel carcenogenic?

[groundhog]

Ok,

When you go to the gas station, they have these sophisticated fuel recovery things on the pump so that the fumes don't get to you.

Should we be worried when working on an engine? Touching and smelling the fuel?

And I have a diesel. I'm guessing there is little difference between gas and diesel in this respect.

groundhog

[Fstbttms]

The vapor recovery system is not to protect you, the consumer, as you pump fuel. It is there to reduce the amount of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, that are released into the atmosphere. While exposure to gas or diesel through breathing or direct contact is best kept to a minimum, ocassional contact while working on an engine is probably not something to get your panties in a wad about. Wear gloves and a respirator if you're worried about it.

[hellosailor]

Don't worry about the difference between gasoline and diesel, neither one is good for you. Gasoline is mainly similar to naphtha or benzene, both of which are good carcinogens and what is the formal term? Tetragatoxins or something like like? Plus up to 60 other things you don't want in or near your body and some can be absorbed THROUGH the skin.

Diesel is a different blend but still not something good to bathe in.

Of course, if you get neurotic about all the poisons we surround ourselves with, you'll jump off something or die of a stroke well before all the chemicals can get you.

[ebs001]

Everything is a carcinogen in California. The best solution, stay away from California

[mike dryver]

as someone who has worked on my own engines and all mechaical things on my vehicles and boats i can tell you this as said above it is not something you want to get on you to often. they as with other chems. will cause dermititis at the start (dry itchy skin reddish spots and roughness) this can eventually lead to skin cancer. if you are working in a well ventilated place there is not much concern for breathing unless you have pre-existing conditions. one note though if you get diesel on you don't leave it on for a long time it will enter you sub derm. because it has a lower flash (evaporation rate) point. gas will flash off faster that is why your skin feel cool if you get some on you. also any grunge you get on you oily crud from engine is more of a carc. than straight gas or diesel. so if you take minor precautions with yhe products you will be just fine IMHO

mike

[sailingdog]

Mike makes a good point, but not very clearly. The used motor oil is FAR MORE TOXIC than plain gas or diesel. It has lots of very carcinogenic compounds in it. Gasoline is bad, but used motor oil is a lot worse.