• 1.0% Fragrance
• 0.2% Emulsifiers (Non-ionic, low HLB, water-in-oil typrs)
• 0.2% Corrosion inhibitors
• 3.6% Odorless Mineral Spirits (OMS)
• 64.0% De-ionized Water
• 31.0% Propellant A-46
Before the filler could demonstrate the product samples, the fact that they contained a hydrocarbon propellant was
mentioned. Shaking his head, the marketer’s R&D Director invited his guests to a basement area where a large
black cylinder of Matheson iso-butane was chained to a post.
“Just smell this stuff!” he directed. The odor was repulsive, due to either natural impurities or deliberate adulteration
with ethyl mercaptan (C2H5SH). When the filler group stated that its hydrocarbon was an almost odorless
“Aerosol Grade” product, supplied by the Phillips Petroleum Co., the R&D Director evaluated the samples. He
was apparently impressed, because the company marketed a line of similar hydrocarbon-based air fresheners about
a year later.
Soon, almost the entire aerosol air freshener industry had converted to the lower-cost hydrocarbon formulas. At
almost the same time, new formulas were adapted to flying insect sprays. Despite their 30–35% flammable ingredient
content, the products were not “flammable,” according standard flammability tests.
Concerted efforts keep aerosols safe
The conversion of the aerosol industry from non-flammable to flammable propellants was challenging,
costly and painful. Even in these enlightened times filling plants have burned in various parts of the
world, including Asia, Europe and North and South America. Over the years, dozens of people in the
aerosol industry worldwide have been burned or paid the ultimate price.
In the U.S., the industry has diligently worked with government agencies, insurance companies and
consumer groups to make aerosols ultimately very safe in every aspect. Consumer complaints regarding
flammability are almost non-existent. Industry experts constantly conduct workshops, seminars and webinars to
promote safety. Manuals and codes are readily available, such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
30B Code for Manufacture & Storage of Aerosol Products (updated every four years). These concerted efforts have
made aerosols eminently safe for both manufacturers and consumers. Spray
December 2018 SPRAY 35