J Appl Toxicol. 2005 Jul-Aug;25(4):318-27.
   
   Acute and subacute dermal toxicity of Break-Free CLP: a weapons cleaning and maintenance compound.

   Arfsten DP, Johnson EW, Thitoff AR, Jung AE, Still KR, Brinkley WW, Schaeffer DJ, Jederberg WW, Bobb AJ.

   Naval Health Research Center Detachment, Environmental Health Effects Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7903, USA. [email protected]

Break-Free CLP((R)) is a commercial cleaning, lubricating and preserving compound used in both the military and civilian sectors for maintenance of small- and large-caliber weapons. Like many commercial mixtures, there is very little information available on the toxicity of Break-Free CLP. Studies were conducted to characterize the biological effects of single or repeat dermal application of Break-Free CLP to the clipped backs of CD-1 mice. Break-Free CLP was applied neat, 50 microl three times of week for up to 2 weeks. Foci of epithelial ulceration were observed in skin sections from 22% of Break-Free CLP-treated animals in conjunction with markedly thickened epithelium suggesting that robust epithelial regeneration was occurring in these animals. Skin histopathology of Break-Free CLP-treated animals closely matched the histopathology from mice treated repeatedly with 2% croton oil in acetone (dermal irritation positive control). Serum alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly (P < 0.05) lower for mice treated with Break-Free CLP, 2% croton oil or 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) compared with negative and vehicle control mice. Skin nitric oxide (NO) levels were not significantly elevated for mice treated with Break-Free CLP but were significantly elevated for mice treated with dermal irritation positive control compound DMBA. The cumulative skin changes in Break-Free CLP-treated animals support conducting a subchronic dermal application study. The observed decreases in serum alkaline phosphatase activity suggest that future studies should include the liver and bone as possible target organs. Additionally, dermal penetration studies could provide key health risk assessment information for characterizing the potential health risks associated with chronic dermal exposure to Break-Free CLP.

Dude………..that could explain why I piss rainbows in the toilet!  

Quoted: Dude………..that could explain why I piss rainbows in the toilet!

LOL. I don't know what it explains, but I thought people here would be interested in the ongoing research. Seems like it may be causing hyperkeratotic changes, though. There's always some concern with squamous cell carcinoma being associated with hyperkeratotic changes (precancerous lesions)

It means that continued and long-term skin contact with CLP can cause unhealthy changes in your skin. By extension this also means you should avoid getting CLP anywhere near your mouth, nose or eyes.  DUH!!!

Wear gloves, don't spray the stuff in your face, and be careful to have plenty of ventilation when you use it.

And contrary to what the quote says, the MSDS is more than adequate to point out that the stuff contains Bad Components that are at least serious irritants.  If you have to have someone tell you in short sentences using small words that this nasty chemical compound is not good for your body, you haven't been paying attention to anything...

so do not over lube your ar and have to deal with oil in the face when you fire.

Thats all pretty old news.
Heck back in the 1980's and early 1990's Break Free CLP also used a chlorinated solvent...stuff was harsh back in them days.The new stuff aint even close to the old in odor,or as effective as a cleaner.But its safer for us and the environment.
As recommended by most lube manufacterer's washing your hands after use will prevent most issues that could be encountered.Although some of us do have reactions even with limited contact.Break Free CLP in aerosol form breaks me out somthing terrible...the liquid does not.
Its not just clp either...basically anything that contains a solvent is not good for the body.Most solvents are petro-chemical solutions...then you have the ammonia based copper solvents...you all do know ammonia is toxic even in small amounts.
I also suspect that some of the active inhibitor packages used these days are probably hard on the body.
Personally I just take care to wash my hands after using any chemicals,limit the amount of time Im in contact and I dont huff the fumes.I do try and avoid the harsh chemicals such as acetone,chlorinated solvents etc..
That said the CLP they are talking about above is Break Free's military version,which we can't get commercially.Only Break Free we can get thats close to the true mil-spec Break Free CLP is the Break Free CLP aerosol,which also contains about the same amount of solvent...close anyway.
The commercial Break Free CLP liquid(new MIL-PRF-63460E formula)contains much less solvent.It is said to be a safer material to use,evaporation rate is lower and its also a better lube as a result.Its not as good of a cleaner,but fairs well.

RGR got it..no CLP baths

FREE

Does this mean I shouldn't be using it to style my hair and/or as a bubble bath oil?

Damn, guess I should stop using it as deoterant ;)

Quoted: Does this mean I shouldn't be using it to style my hair and/or as a bubble bath oil?

Yep, and don't use it for lube while looking at gun porn

One thing about this "research":

The mice did not wash with hand cleaner and then soap and water following exposure.

If you're at the range without access to water and soap, is something like Purell enough to clean your skin from any CLP that got on it?

you guys are *tic* crazy.... i get that stuff *twitch* all over me every time I clean my *twitch* gun and I'm perfectly *spasm* fine.

Quoted: If you're at the range without access to water and soap, is something like Purell enough to clean your skin from any CLP that got on it?

No, anything with alcohol can actually pull it into you skin. Purell and other sanitizers kill germs by sterilizing the surface of the skin, not lifting it off.

It's really all about exposure time and concentration of the solvent. Just wash it off as soon as possible. If you are really worried about exposure use nitrile golves or get some Quick Orange or Go Jo waterless hand cleaner it will lift the solvent off, well what dosn't get absorbed into your skin,

I guess I need to stop using it as an after shave lotion.

I always clean my guns with a pair of latex gloves on, my health is worth more than 15 cents a pair.

P.S. - Lets not even talk about DMSO.

Quoted: I always clean my guns with a pair of latex gloves on, my health is worth more than 15 cents a pair.

+1 Smart man. Box of gloves at Wally World.......under $10.00

Quoted: J Appl Toxicol. 2005 Jul-Aug;25(4):318-27.        Acute and subacute dermal toxicity of Break-Free CLP: a weapons cleaning and maintenance compound.    Arfsten DP, Johnson EW, Thitoff AR, Jung AE, Still KR, Brinkley WW, Schaeffer DJ, Jederberg WW, Bobb AJ.    Naval Health Research Center Detachment, Environmental Health Effects Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7903, USA. [email protected] Break-Free CLP((R)) is a commercial cleaning, lubricating and preserving compound used in both the military and civilian sectors for maintenance of small- and large-caliber weapons. Like many commercial mixtures, there is very little information available on the toxicity of Break-Free CLP. Studies were conducted to characterize the biological effects of single or repeat dermal application of Break-Free CLP to the clipped backs of CD-1 mice. Break-Free CLP was applied neat, 50 microl three times of week for up to 2 weeks. Foci of epithelial ulceration were observed in skin sections from 22% of Break-Free CLP-treated animals in conjunction with markedly thickened epithelium suggesting that robust epithelial regeneration was occurring in these animals. Skin histopathology of Break-Free CLP-treated animals closely matched the histopathology from mice treated repeatedly with 2% croton oil in acetone (dermal irritation positive control). Serum alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly (P < 0.05) lower for mice treated with Break-Free CLP, 2% croton oil or 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) compared with negative and vehicle control mice. Skin nitric oxide (NO) levels were not significantly elevated for mice treated with Break-Free CLP but were significantly elevated for mice treated with dermal irritation positive control compound DMBA. The cumulative skin changes in Break-Free CLP-treated animals support conducting a subchronic dermal application study. The observed decreases in serum alkaline phosphatase activity suggest that future studies should include the liver and bone as possible target organs. Additionally, dermal penetration studies could provide key health risk assessment information for characterizing the potential health risks associated with chronic dermal exposure to Break-Free CLP.

In english please?

I like to use it on my penis for lube when having sex!!!!

badhand1 said:
         

I like to use it on my penis for lube when having sex!!!!

I doubt that happens often.
I bought a box of nitrile gloves, 100 in a box, for $8.00 at a medical supply store. They work great, are durable and my hands are perfectly clean, I use to get a stinging after cleaning with no gloves. Make sure to buy the powder-free type.

Great, something else for me to worry about while scraping asbestos gaskets while I wait for my lead in the smelter to liquify.  I guess I could just smoke a cigarette instead.

Am I the only one who fries eggs with this stuff?  

Looks like I better go wash my hands



Abe

read the MSDS
Break Free CLP Liquid .pdf
From the Break Free Inc. web site
Good stuff.

Acute or Chronic Health Hazards: While expected to be moderately irritating from the skin, eye and oral testing done, as with all petroleum products, prolonged and repeated contact with the skin could cause irritation and possible dermatitis. The synthetic oils and additives could also be
absorbed through abraded skin, but the information from dermal toxicity tests suggest that no acute systemic effects would be expected in healthy individuals.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE: Inhalation: Irritation. May cause lung damage if liquid is inhaled. High vapor/aerosol concentrations (greater than approx. 700 ppm. Attainable at elevated temperatures well above ambient) are irritating to the eyes and the respiratory tract and may cause headaches, dizziness, anesthesia, drowsiness, unconsciousness, and other central nervous system effects.
Ingestion: The mixture has a low level of toxicity (LD50 > 5g/kg). Gastrointestinal irritation. Laxative effects. Nausea. Vomiting. Pulmonary aspiration hazard if swallowed and vomiting occurs.
Skin Contact: Irritation. Prolonged and repeated contact can defat the skin which may result in dryness, dermatitis and cracking of the skin.
Eye Contact: Irritation. Symptoms include: Stinging, Tearing, Redness and Swelling.

Quoted: I like to use it on my penis for lube when having sex!!!!

So what you're saying is one bottle will last a lifetime?

Hahaha, good one nobby!