The scary Starsan label

[smuggles]

Ok, I'm probably being unnecessarily worried, but I've just bought a bottle of Starsan and the label is covered in warnings like: "If on skin, rinse with water for 15-20 minutes and call a doctor", "Wear protective clothing and rubber gloves", and "Do not contaminate water, food or feed by storage".

So, just how dangerous is it? Is it a case of wearing gloves while handling it neat, but once it's diluted you can basically swim in it? Should I wear gloves all the time? Or is the label just being dramatic? It's just a bit worrying to read those things on a sanitiser you don't rinse off.

And as a bonus question, is 1.5ml in 1 litre the correct amount to use?

[Wolfy]

Two things to keep in mind:
First the instructions are written for Americans, and we all know how dramatic, pedantic or otherwise overboard with things like warnings, law suits, stuff that is good/bad for you etc.
And secondly I presume the warning is for the concentrated solution, which you dilute quite substantially before use.

I'm not saying you shouldn't be careful using it, but I'm pretty sure I've spilled some of the concentrated stuff on myself before, and still have all my fingers.

[GrowlingDogBeer]

+1 to what Wolfy says.

It's not particuarly nice but as long as you are careful you should be fine.

1.5 ml per litre is the correct dilution rate.

It's not as bad as spilling CRS on yourself, now that stuff is a bit nasty

[schlafsack]

I believe the inventor said that once diluted it was pretty much safe to drink, although he'd recomend against it.

[Aleman]

If you are really worried about things try spilling 5% peracetic on yourself thats something you only do once!!!

[smuggles]

Cheers guys. I thought it probably just applied to the concentrated stuff, but thought I should check before I went carelessly sloshing it about the place.

And Wolfy, I guess you didn't bother rinsing for 20 minutes after spilling some on yourself? That label does seem a bit extreme.

[mysterio]

I've spilled some on myself before and just gave it a quick rinse. The diluted mixture on the other hand, feel free to bathe your children in it, totally harmless.

[Naich]

If you are really worried about things try spilling 5% peracetic on yourself thats something you only do once!!!

Once for me too. I couldn't believe how little it took to start getting me worried. Ever since I've made sure I wear gloves before even looking at the bottle. Nasty stuff.