🚀 go-pugleaf

With all this discussion about environmentally-friendly chemicals, I have
to relate my conversation with MCM regarding an order of mine.  The
implications are scary for home-based techs such as ourselves.

I made a regular order with MCM several weeks ago that included a can of
compressed air for a friend of mine ("Generation 2000 Air Blast", #20-1620).
I inquired about my order and learned from the salesclerk that it had been
shipped today (7/13) , but that there was a footnote to the effect that
the chemical could not be sold to me.   I *had* been expecting the UPS
truck to show up this week (and waited at home too.  Wonderful.) ,
but that wasn't the worst of it.

The MCM catalog has a notice stating that EPA regulations prohibit them from
selling certain chemicals containing Class I CFC's without a tax-exemption
number or business license.  My Generation 2000 can apparently was one of
these products.

I asked the salesclerk which compressed air products I could buy, and was
cited some products, mostly Chemtronics E-series.  These cost in the range
of $10-$16, plus a $7 materials-handling fee.  At a final cost of $17-$23 for
a 12-oz. can, my friend understandably opted out.

On my last order to MCM, I sent for a Generation 2000 cleaner/lubricant, which
*was* sent to me.  Their ads mentioned the products were "safe for the ozone",
thus I thought I should be able to buy from that series.  It is _not_ made
clear in the catalog which items are restricted and which are not.

When I brought this up, the clerk explained that the catalog (the latest
version) had been printed up before certain new regulations went in effect.
If I am to believe this, the EPA is very capricious on which chemicals to
restrict, and that MCM can but merely blow in the wind.  I'm not sure I
believe this, but it does sound plausible.

Anyone who has fixed electronics for any length of time knows that some
chemical products are indispensable.  I live near the ocean, and as any
coastal dweller can tell you, sea air and electrical contacts don't mix.
I can't begin to mention how many pieces of equipment I would have to discard
--in a landfill--if I didn't have some way of cleaning them.

Worse yet, I suspect that some of the "environmentally-friendly" subsitutes
are downright dangerous:  In that same MCM catalog, there's an ad for
Chemtronics' Electro-Wash 2000 cleaner.  In fine print on the bottom
of the can, it reads:  "DANGER!:  EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE!  LIQUID AND VAPOR
MAY CAUSE FLASH FIRE!"  Wonderful.  Imagine having to use that stuff at home
or worksite.  We're supposed to think the (non-trivial) risk of fire is
preferable to the (questionable) risk to the ozone layer.

It's bad enough that I have to use acetone because rosin flux-remover is too
expensive;  I will NOT buy Chemtronics under these circumstances.  Just imagine
accidentally spraying the stuff into equipment you forgot to unplug!

I suspect it's no good complaining about this, as the EPA and the politicians
would pat me on the head and say, "Gee, don't you think you should leave that
stuff to the professionals?"  :(  And as for the business folks who have that
extra paperwork to fill, I guess "that's tough, they can do it".

Must I stockpile chemicals?  What are the chemicals I'm allowed to buy?
Does anyone have a no-hassle source other than someone's back alley?  Can
you still buy Caig?  Will I still be *allowed* to buy anything stronger than
denatured alcohol?

...Dave


--
| David Moisan, N1KGH    /^\_/^\   moisan@silver.lcs.mit.edu      |
| 86 Essex St. Apt #204 ( o ^ o )  n1kgh@amsat.org                |
| Salem. MA 01970-5225     | |     ce393@cleveland.freenet.edu    |
|                                                                 |