[INJUNTOM]

Serious stuff. I use the hell out of brake cleaner, but always blow it dry with compressed air. It evaporates immediately. Work great prior to painting something.

[fiedlerh]

Been there done that. Never spray brake cleaner into the carb of a running engine just because you ran out of carb spray. Your co-workers will curse you as they flee the shop. Chlorinated solvents + heat, compression, and combustion = phosgene.

[Shiny]

This thread was a great warning. I would never have thought about the risks of using brake cleaner before welding, even though it makes sense.

I stumbled on this YouTube video today that I, as a non-welder struggling to use a MIG, found useful. Worth watching IMO, as he covers the chlorine risk but also some other common risks that may be obvious for those with experience, but not so much for those of us that weld something about once a year:

https://youtu.be/2hAJJky4KAQ?si=IaHO13hX7R4C9Gly

He's also sharp, funny, and quotable... "..well oh, friggen contrare.."

[beemergary]

Originally Posted by Region Warrior

Phosgene gas is what was used in the WWII death camps.
Pretty sure they banned tetrachlorothylene in brake and carb cleaner about 5 yrs ago because prolonged exposure causes brain nerve damamge.

Worked for GM for 40 yrs. There transmission factory used that to clean everything from parts to peoples hands etc. We would take asbestos cloth to use a bed roll or pillow to take a nap. O well.