Long Term Effects of Breathing Anti-Freeze - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Gauge · #1 01-23-2008, 12:13 PM

I have a 1983 Mercedes 240D that has developed a slight coolant leak in the heater core. I tried all the radiator "stop leak" products and even black pepper, which I was told by an old school mechanic would "definately" work. I still have the leak and a strong sweet smell of antifreeze whenever the heat is on.

I have been told that replacing the heater core is a MAJOR job. Not sure what to do, but until I decide are their any health consequences to breathing anti-freeze? I have a 1.5 hour commute every morning and by the time I get to work, my eyes really burn.

vstech · #2 01-23-2008, 12:24 PM

according to batman comics, I believe it will cause you to require a containment suit, and a liquid nitrogen system to keep you alive... other than that I have no experience with medical interactions of the vapors.

tangofox007 · #3 01-23-2008, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gauge

...are their any health consequences to breathing anti-freeze?

Depends on the type of anifreeze that you are exposed to. Maybe you should use the Low Toxicity type!!!

A search for "MSDS" and "antifreeze" will provide additional information.

dieseldan44 · #4 01-23-2008, 12:24 PM

Yes, its bad!

It is a lot of work to replace the heater core, no doubt. A weekend more or less. But, there is a step by step guide posted in this site:

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W123Evaporator

That will get you right down to the heater core, I dont know if there any specifics to replacing it once you have the whole evaporator box out and apart.

dd

kerry · #5 01-23-2008, 12:52 PM

You don't say where you live, so I don't know if your daily temperatures would permit it, but it's pretty simply to bypass the heater core.

pawoSD · #6 01-23-2008, 07:46 PM

If you drink it, you die a painful death. So, think about it. You could be risking lung cancer....or a variety of other severe medical issues. Or you could pass out and crash. It is TOXIC to breathe! I'd stop driving that car till its fixed ASAP. I think it damages the brain too....

tangofox007 · #7 01-23-2008, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

You could be risking lung cancer....or a variety of other severe medical issues. Or you could pass out and crash. It is TOXIC to breathe!

I reviewed the material safety data sheets for a number of antifreeze types. None were identified as carcinogens. None were toxic when inhaled; lung irritation was the most significant side effect listed from inhalation. For some types, there were no negative side effects from inhalation.

pawoSD · #8 01-23-2008, 08:28 PM

Hmm....interesting. I had always been told that it was quite dangerous to breathe in the vapor form. I believe it even says it on the bottle.

I know animals (and people) will die if they drink some (or even some diluted in water)....so it can't exactly be "Safe" by any means.

superbeast1098 · #9 01-23-2008, 08:45 PM

Some good info from whunter here in these posts

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/139585-antifreeze-ethylene-glycol-intoxication-toxicity-metabolic-acidosis.html#post1037466

pawoSD · #10 01-23-2008, 08:48 PM

Thats where I remembered it from...awesome.

Moral of the story: its a poison, don't inhale or drink it

bgkast · #11 01-23-2008, 10:36 PM

Buy a ford F250. I just did the heater core in mine...$23 and 30 min start to finish.

P.E.Haiges · #12 01-23-2008, 11:25 PM

DEATH. BUt that's the long term effect of breathing at all.

P E H

P.E.Haiges · #13 01-23-2008, 11:32 PM

Gauge,

Loosen the radiator cap so there is no pressure in your cooling system. That will make it leak much less or not at all.

pawoSD · #14 01-24-2008, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgkast

Buy a ford F250. I just did the heater core in mine...$23 and 30 min start to finish.

At the international auto show in detroit this past weekend I got to see the most amazing cut-away of a vehicle I have ever seen, it was of the new F150....pretty impressive vehicle. Anyways, the heater core is VERY easy to get to! Its right behind the kick panel on the passenger side inside the "blower housing" area. From the looks of it you could probably replace it on the new F150 in about 20-30 mins as well. Too bad ours is not that easy to get to....oh well.

So far none of ours have leaked.....and we do have an extra good core in our parts inventory.