Officials Warn Of Exploding Spray Cans 

Corroded, Rusted, And Overheated Cans Are Dangerous

Release Date: May 26, 2006
Release Number: 1603-486

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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- Those old spray cans that weathered Hurricane Katrina last year might be an explosion waiting to happen.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s local safety officer warns that several spray cans have exploded as New Orleans residents go about the work of cleaning up after Hurricane Katrina. Everyone involved in cleanup operations should always exercise caution, and just because an old can doesn’t look dangerous doesn’t mean it isn’t.

Submersion in salty or brackish water can corrode and weaken pressurized cans, making them a potential hazard. Exposure to water can likewise rust steel cans. Spray cans found in enclosed areas, such as a car’s trunk or the tool box on a pick-up truck, can be at greatly elevated temperatures.

The danger from explosion isn’t the only hazard: there is also the possibility of being exposed to the contents of a can. Pressurized cans contain and deliver household cleaning chemicals, insecticides, and many other substances. While some substances are generally considered benign, they can be hazardous when deposited in large amounts on skin or clothing during an explosion of a can.

The Safety Officer for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Transitional Recovery Office, said that persons involved in cleanup should always wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Safety around potentially explosive spray cans requires the use of tongs, safety goggles, gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants. The tongs are used to pick-up spray cans, which are deposited into a sturdy, separate container. The separate containers should be placed with other household chemicals for disposal and set at the curb for pick-up. Depending on the nature of other cleanup work being done at the same time, additional PPE may be required.

Help spread the word: Safety First.

FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 30-May-2006 00:26:54