The spray on version would probably have to be used by people in full hazmat suits with breathing apparatus. I can't see this being approved for the general public.
Why can't you? Cement causes silicosis in thousands of people when used and handled properly according to current legislations.
This product wouldn't cause silicosis when used correctly, even if it does it'll have to exceed the percentages reached by long-time cement layers to be concerning. So really, why can't you see it being approved? Do you know of a legitimate reason, or is it a personal opinion?
I've worked in construction, I've had my hands blister from some materials I've used yet you can pick them up at any hardware store without question. There's no instruction on fiberglass insulation that states face masks must be worn despite its fibers can cause rhinitis and lung irritation.
Hell, Talcum Powder with over exposure can have the same effects on the lungs as asbestos and it's used daily by millions on their infants.
There's many things approved for the general public that are exceptionally dangerous when they're being used correctly. There's an even bigger list for when things are being used incorrectly, even down to detergents.
Isn't a difference that if you had a can of "spray glass" you could probably incapacitate someone pretty quickly with it.. whereas throwing cement or some fibreglass insulation in someone's face is unlikely to be fatal? To me, it doesn't seem like the level of danger is the issue - just how easily that danger can be manifested.
Okay, I've bought extremely potent acid used for removing imperfections from granite that can cause chemical burns within seconds of contact when diluted. The undiluted form could easily cause grievous harm if thrown in someones face, and there's specific warnings on the bottle that any contact can cause burns or blindness.
It's exceptionally easy to manifest the danger, and I bought the bottle for 3 pounds.
Have you ever worked in construction? There are all kinds of hazardous materials that require you to wear a respirator or at least a breathing mask, and many of them are on sale to the public, albeit with stern warnings about safe methods for use. I see no reason that this product can't be used equally safely - that is, with a mask and proper ventilation. I have the impression from their datasheets that brushing is possible but spraying is preferable in order to obtain an even coating.
In any case, their primary target seems to be businesses that want to add value by adding a highly dirt-resistant finish to their products.
Agreed, I've picked up some things from DIY stores in the UK that required full respirators, I don't understand the allegation that it won't go to market in the UK.
Hell, superglue is likely as hazardous if used improperly. I've seen cotton overalls lit on fire by someone dumping a bottle, and I was handed it in primary school! Cement is dangerous to the skin and lungs, especially mixing dry cement as the lime can actually cause chemical burns to your lungs, or you can develop silicosis over longterm exposure, hence face-masks.
There'll obviously be precautions that have to be taken. However it all depends on droplet size formed by the spray. A fine spray is unlikely to reach or coat a surface appropriately, so I'm assuming a heavier spray intended to coat a specific area. This means larger droplets and less spread of the spray, it also decreases the likelihood that it'll get through a face mask making a respirator less likely.
If it can be used with a simple face mask, it'll be on sale in the UK without a doubt.
What about pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicavolcanoconiosis?
(Strictly speaking, I think there needs to be a volcano involved to create the fine particled silica relevant to that disease, but how often do you get a chance to naturally work it into conversation?)
I forget where I've found it, but nano-particles do sometimes have significantly different health effects than larger particles.
And personally, while I LOVE glass bottles / glazed ceramic things, as it's nigh-tasteless and doesn't have nastiness in it, spraying plants with this makes me worry about ingesting it in (relatively) large doses. I doubt people have been eating glass to see what health effects it's had, so it's probably going to fall into new research... and if it's that effective, I'd be willing to bet companies will cover up research that would be bad for their business.
Has anyone been able to dig up the patents on this? I tried a quick google patent search to try to get more technical detail on what they're doing and how they're doing it, but I haven't found the patents. They mention patents, but don't say much about them.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterproof_fabric
"Breathability is measured by the rate at which water vapor passes through, in the units of grams of water vapour per square meter of fabric per 24 hour period (g/m2/d), often abbreviated to just 'g'. "
"... The liquid glass spray produces a water-resistant coating only around 100 nanometers (15-30 molecules) thick. On this nanoscale the glass is highly flexible and breathable. The coating is environmentally harmless and non-toxic, and easy to clean using only water or a simple wipe with a damp cloth. It repels bacteria, water and dirt, and resists heat, UV light and even acids. ... Liquid glass spray is perhaps the most important nanotechnology product to emerge to date. It will be available in DIY stores in Britain soon ..."
Not news but a PR release. It pays to be cautious when making claims to be "new", "harmless" and "available in stores soon". The claim the particles are 100 nanometers is significant.
"... PM (Particulate Matter) has now been linked to a broad range of adverse health effects, both respiratory and cardiovascular, in epidemiologic and toxicologic research. ... The primary impetus for the 1997 PM NAAQS and the current proposed revision has been epidemiologic evidence that associates PM with increased risk for mortality ..." ~ "Small Particles with Big Effects", William N. Rom, M.D., M.P.H.", http://ajrccm.atsjournals.org/cgi/content/full/173/4/365#BIB...
So I'd really like to know when materials like this are even suggested before they are released for commercial and human use without significant long term testing. Think asbestos and the long lead time for http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asbestosis
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