Spray deodorant is generally flammable, and most aerosol products carry a flammability warning. An aerosol is a container holding a substance, such as deodorant, compressed under pressure with a liquefied or dissolved gas. This allows the contents to be released as a fine mist. The risk of flammability stems from both the chemical composition and the can’s pressurized nature, which can cause it to rupture or explode under certain conditions.
The Chemical Ingredients Causing Flammability
The flammability of spray deodorant is primarily due to the propellants and solvents used in the formulation. Common hydrocarbon gases like propane, butane, and isobutane are used as propellants because they liquefy under internal pressure, ensuring a consistent spray. These highly flammable propellants make up a significant portion of the aerosol product’s volume.
Many deodorant sprays also contain a high percentage of alcohol, typically ethanol, which acts as a solvent and helps the product dry quickly. Ethanol has a low flash point, which is the minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapor to ignite. Aerosol products are classified as flammable if they contain any component that is a flammable liquid or gas.
The rapid evaporation of these flammable chemicals immediately after spraying creates a temporary, combustible vapor cloud. Even a small spark or flame can cause this vapor to ignite, though the risk diminishes quickly as the propellants and solvents dissipate into the air.
Safe Handling and Application Guidelines
Handling aerosol deodorants safely involves preventing exposure to ignition sources and avoiding excessive heat that could compromise the can’s integrity. Never spray the product near an open flame, such as a candle, cigarette, pilot light, or gas stove burner. The fine mist contains flammable vapors that can easily be ignited by these sources.
Proper storage is equally important because the pressurized container is sensitive to temperature changes. Never store aerosol cans where temperatures exceed 122°F (50°C), as the internal pressure will increase and could lead to a rupture or explosion. This requires avoiding storage in direct sunlight, near heating vents, or inside a vehicle on a warm day.
Applying the product in a well-ventilated space minimizes risk by preventing the buildup of flammable vapors. Good ventilation ensures that the propellants and solvents disperse quickly into the air. Always follow the instructions on the label, which advise using short bursts and holding the can at a recommended distance.
Proper Disposal of Pressurized Cans
The disposal of a spray deodorant can requires specific care due to residual pressure and flammable contents. Even when a can feels empty, it may still contain pressurized propellant gas. Therefore, never attempt to puncture, flatten, or crush an aerosol can, as this action could violently release remaining product or gas.
Do not dispose of aerosol cans by incinerating them or throwing them into a fire, as intense heat will cause the internal pressure to build and the can to explode. An empty can is defined as one where the pressure is equal to the surrounding air and no product is released when the nozzle is pressed.
Once completely empty, many local recycling programs accept aerosol cans with other metal recyclables. If a can is partially or completely full, it must be treated as household hazardous waste. Take partially full cans to a designated local hazardous waste collection event or facility for safe disposal.