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I picked up a can of Air Duster spray to clean an old laptop. It lists no ingredients, so I figured it was just compressed air. But when I spray it, it's a liquid that smells somewhat like alcohol/methanol.
Is this safe to spray into computers?
1Thanks. I don't think it is compressed air though. It doesn't smell like air. – QuasarDonkey – 2012-10-08T18:10:03.227
2It's air with an aerosolizing agent. If you hold it sideways that'll condense. Don't hold it sideways if the smell bothers you. (Note that this is why you have to show IDs today to buy this stuff - lots of people huff the chemical added. :/) – Shinrai – 2012-10-08T18:10:34.763
Compressed air, or 'canned air' does have other chemicals in it as well, such as nitrous oxide. – Zero Stack – 2012-10-08T18:11:52.330
those crazy kids – QuasarDonkey – 2012-10-08T18:13:41.757
@Shinrai is correct. People can abuse the chemicals found in these containers as an inhalant. IMHO, its not something really to worry about - as long as you aren't directly blowing the compressed air into your mouth, etc. – Zero Stack – 2012-10-08T18:13:43.497
Thanks for the update Foxtrot, that's exactly what I noticed. It came out as a really cold liquid that evaporated away. – QuasarDonkey – 2012-10-08T18:17:18.913
@QuasarDonkey Anytime. If that answers your question, please give it a check! :) – Zero Stack – 2012-10-08T19:35:21.960
Oh sorry, I have a policy of usually waiting a while before accepting. It's fairer in general. Could you first add your reference for the quoted information you provided? – QuasarDonkey – 2012-10-08T19:36:55.960
Sure thing, let me touch up that answer a bit. – Zero Stack – 2012-10-08T19:37:24.517
1My compressed air cans I picked up from Best Buy say that they contains a bitterizing agent to discourage abuse. So it will not be odorless at least for that reason. – Ben Richards – 2012-10-08T20:10:58.990
1dirty secret, I usually don't even bother turning it off first. This is especially fun on computer fans that make a little whizzing sound as you over rev them with compressed air. – Sirex – 2012-10-16T02:25:32.797