Completely denatured alcohol has become very popular in the last few years. This strong cleaning agent presents a really cheap solution for manufacturing facilities when they want to scrub their floors and other areas. This is why chemical companies such as Simple Solvents get a lot of inquiries from production plants and other large organisations.
This substance is created by changing the natural properties of grain alcohol. Completely denatured alcohol is also referred under its chemical name CDA 12A. When the producer alters the substance, you can no longer consume it. In fact, this is the main difference between regular ethanol and denatured alcohol.
Furthermore, when creating denatured alcohol, companies add specific components that would make it smell pungent or that would turn its colour blue or purple. That way, a potential consumer can never mistake it for a drinkable substance.
What is the point of denaturation?
Interestingly enough, chemical companies perform this process not because they need denatured alcohol but because they don’t want to have any regular alcohol. What do we mean by this?
Regular, consumable ethanol is very expensive. This is because governments put high taxes on the product. This is done to reduce and regulate consumption. Also, it would instantly place alcohol among luxury substances. As an expensive, luxury drink, alcohol will be much harder to obtain, and people will consume less of it. This is at least the theory behind it.
The first denatured alcohols were made as a way of avoiding these taxes. When you add all these chemicals to the product, it can no longer be consumed. In fact, it will become highly toxic and unsuitable for bodily application. Depending on the denatured alcohol, it might even cause health problems if you decide to handle it without appropriate gear.
Over time, denatured alcohols became something more than a simple tax evasion method. They became popular for their various traits. Nowadays, companies use it for cleaning, lab work, and other production processes. Keep in mind in mind that while this liquid has alcohol in it, CDA 12A is not suitable for disinfecting surfaces. For this particular purpose, most companies will utilize alcohol with 70% to 90% alcohol concentration.
What are the common traits for denatured alcohol?
The first thing worth mentioning is that many countries don’t have regulations in place that would tackle the production and use of denatured alcohol. This is the case with the US, as well. Because of that, a chemical company can use various chemicals when producing these liquids.
However, regardless of legislation, this substance almost always comes with a warning label. The product is so volatile that manufacturers need to mark it in some way or another. With proper labeling, you are much less exposed to the risks that this product brings.
In most cases, a producer will take methanol as a denaturant. However, you can combine it with almost anything. Things such as methanol are very volatile and will seep through your skin. If you drink it, you might experience things such as dizziness, disorientation, headache, and even death. Denatured alcohol shouldn’t even be compared with regular ethanol as this is a much more dangerous liquid.
Another important thing about denatured products is that, once they’re mixed with other chemicals, you will no longer be able to separate the two so, if you were thinking of buying denatured alcohol at a low price just so you can revert it back to regular alcohol, later on, better drop that thought.
How should CDA 12A look like?
The appearance of CDA 12A can vary based on the underlying substances. Oftentimes, the color might remain the same (transparent, to be precise). But, you will still be able to tell that it’s not the real thing based on some of its other traits.
Most companies will alter these chemicals by either turning them blue or purple with dye or by changing their smell so that it’s really strong. The taste is also often changed, but by the time you start drinking the substance, you might already endanger your health. So, the products with altered color and smell are much safer as its easier to tell that they’re denatured.
What are the side effects of drinking denatured alcohol?
The last thing you want to do is drink completely denatured alcohol. The effect can vary based on the underlying chemicals, but it will never be good. Some people will experience organ and nerve damage, and drinking the substance might even cause death. There is also an increased chance of cancer and various minor and major side effects.
Author’s bio: Nikolay Stoyanov is a CBD SEO expert with over 13 years of SEO experience in working with CBD, cannabis and marijuana brands. His company CBD Advertising Agency is a Denver-based marketing company that helps CBD stores increase their traffic and revenue via SEO.
This is a collaborative post.