Thursday, March 01, 2007

Detox via Intox

From the true tales of an MSDS: (I know, I know.  A huge book could be written of all the humorous writings in MSDS's). This is from section 4 of an MSDS to gamma-glycidoxylpropyltrimethoxysilane, a common coupling agent.  The three methoxy groups are rather labile, and will displace themselves when moisture is present. 

"This product reacts with moisture in the acid contents of the stomach to form methanol.  The combination of visual disturbances, metabolic acidosis and formic acid in the urine is evidence of methanol poisoning.  The therapeutic intravenous administration of ethanol (10 ml per hour) allows it to be preferentially oxidized and reduces production of methanol metabolites."

So take a swig of this, and then go the hooch.  "Sorry boss, you can't fire me for drinking on the job.  I have to.  Doctor's orders!"  Granted, 10 ml/hr won't get anybody drunk except for Calista Flockhart, but it still is an unusual therapy.


No comments: