How dangerous is mixing salt?

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Noy too dangerous if you’re careful!

I was mixing saltwater today and scooping the salt some of the residue/fumes got into the air and I couldn’t help but breathe it in.

Other than my nose burning and running I don’t see any big issues but should I be more careful next time?

 

[Dennis McGrath]

I've breathed in some in the past, and I'm still walking around. Didn't notice any ill effects.

 

[WVNed]

Never had this happen. I have 30 gallons mixing right now.

Is your salt mix particularly dusty? Minerals don't usually give off fumes.

 

[Livinlocal]

I mix into a 50 gallon barrel so every time I pour the salt I try to put my head to the side because it could be quite overwhelming when adding big cup Fulls. I have always wondered if it was bad for my health or not. I cant help but think that it must not be good for us considering all the chemicals in the salt. But I’m not a doctor lol

 

[Antics]

Well I'm sure it's not ideal for anyone to be inhaling particulates. So... I'd try and avoid it if possible!

 

[DLHDesign]

I've drank plenty of saltwater over the years (diving in Monterey isn't always easy), so I can't imagine that it's going to harm anything. May not taste/feel pleasant to snort dry saltwater, of course, so should be avoided as best as possible...

I've considered keeping a respirator mask handy for when mixing salt. Considered, but not implemented...

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

I agree. I've breathed it in a ton...and there's nothing wrong with me... ;Cyclops

 

[gcarroll]

I agree. I've breathed it in a ton...and there's nothing wrong with me... ;Cyclops

That's debatable!

 

[Oshanickreef]

I think the test kits we use in this hobby are much more unsafe... gotta go buy a hazmat suit now!

 

[KrisReef]

Salt can be used as a preservative, but salt mix does not appear to be acutely toxic with normal use. I think caution is in order for chronic salt inhalers, just look at what salt spray does around a tank.

Be safe, and live to reproduce more frags as a best practice.

 

[Eggs]

I don’t think what’s in the salt would be the big health risk concern, more likely any fine particles being caught in the lungs, similar to what happens with silicosis.
That said it’s not likely that any fine particles are present in salt mixes for that to happen. Producers would likely use a classifier to remove any ultra fine particles if they were present when the salt is produced. If not there would be a warning label on the salt box/bucket as a caution for inhaling.

 

[saltyhog]

It's very irritating to mucus membranes. Those with asthma,COPD or other chronic lung disease could have problems from what happened to you Rev. Just keep your head up when scooping the salt mix.

 

[4FordFamily]

I agree. I've breathed it in a ton...and there's nothing wrong with me... ;Cyclops

Well... nothing we believe stemming from breathing salt “fumes” at least!

 

[vetteguy53081]

I expect that cloud when preparing a mix, so I back off as I pour the salt. Harmless it is but I'd rather the inhabitants inhale it than myself.
Imagine this guy getting hit with that fog from sea salt...... enjoy the laugh

 

[LowLi]

i feel like i get a bigger cloud when changing the cat litter

 

[ZoWhat]

The airborn DUST of dry mix will definitely RUST OUT your furnace if WC done in a near proximity of the furnace. Like same floor, same airspace

I know this first hand with an extremely P'ed-OFF wife as an Accountant that reminds me of this 3-4 times a year

Her brother who works as a HVAC tech showed me all the white salt residue inside the rusted furnace

Woof, woof. Dog house 4me


.

.

 

[bhuyett]

What are you doing using a shovel and putting your nose right down on the mixing container?

The small amounts of dust from a cup at a time, will have less of an impact on you. Your furnace or anything in proximity of the salt dust settling on it, will have more of an impact in a shorter period of time.

 

[kirstyflash]

i feel like i get a bigger cloud when changing the cat litter

Yup that chokes me up every time. The only thing I hate about the cat being an indoor one

 

[ZoWhat]

The small amounts of dust from a cup at a time, will have less of an impact on you. Your furnace or anything in proximity of the salt dust settling on it, will have more of an impact in a shorter period of time.

Exactly

 

[chelmon]

In the pharmacy natural sea water spays are sold for various purposes. They are diluted to make them isotonic. Concentration of the fumes could be the only issue.

https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Sea-Salt-Nasal-Spray/dp/B01CR5WVXO