Total Release Aersols Are Only Flammable When Misused

Q: How flammable are total release aerosols (TRAs)? I have been told they are a fire hazard. I was concerned when I heard this, as I use them in some of my accounts. I have not had any trouble with them and I’m wondering where this information came from. (R.S.)

A: Your question is a timely one since the EPA has recently addressed the flammability labeling requirement for TRAs. It’s important to first distinguish between products used by professionals and those sold to the general public over the counter. Virtually all of the flammability problems that have been reported in the news are the result of misuse of over-the-counter products. Generally, the misuse that results in a fire occurs when the consumer uses too many aerosols for the size of the treated room. Mind you, we are not talking about a minor overusage of the product. In virtually all cases I am familiar with, the consumer applies many times the recommended label dosage. And even this type of misuse would not lead to a fire unless the consumer also ignored the label directions to extinguish all pilot lights.

In checking with several producers of TRAs for the professional pest control market, I did not speak to anyone who could recall a single claim resulting from flammability of their products when applied correctly. There have also been reports of the public using TRAs as directed contact aerosols and spraying them directly into open flames, which of course can, under the right circumstances, result in flame extension.

Research by manufacturers has shown that it is virtually impossible to get anywhere near the lower explosive limit of LEL for the propellent gases used in total release aerosols when following label directions. In fact, the margin of safety is so great that, except for the willful violation of label directions and the foolish overuse of TRAs, fires will simply not result from the use of these products. Furthermore, the labels on TRAs have for years been more than adequate to assure their safe use.

Jeffrey Tucker is president of Entomology Associates, Houston. Questions can be sent to Tucker at P.O. Box 70375, Houston, TX 77270, or faxed to 713/681-9069.