PVC/ABS Cement - Is it safe?

[ronrca]

I'm completing my mini-rack system with 6 tanks and this last weekend I was constructing the plumbing using PVC pipe. As I was gluing the pipes and connectors, I became worried about the PVC/ABS cement. Is it safe? Will it break down and leak toxins back into the water? My concern became apparent when I read the back and it says

“Contains Poison - Methyl Ethyl Ketone”

Well, I searched in the internet and answer my own question thus calming my concerns!

Here’s a link which is actually the MSDS of the ABS cement for which I thought would be of benefit:
http://www.oatey.com/apps/catalog/instance_assets/assets/ABS.pdf


Here’s a link for lots of MSDS info:
http://www.oatey.com/apps/catalog/showresources.asp?resource_type=MSDS

More links on PVC/ABS and cements:
http://www.ppfahome.org/cements/faqcements.html

However, Methyl Ethyl Ketone is harmful! When the ABS/PVC cement cures, what happens to the Methyl Ethyl?

http://ntp-server.niehs.nih.gov/htdocs/ST-Studies/TOX018.html
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/chem_profiles/mek/health_mek.html
http://www.gorillapvc.com/solvents.html#mek

[Jason]

its safe once it dries, its even aproved for drinking water lines.

although when you do your air system run air through it for a couple days, when i did mine i could still smell chemicals in it a day after assembly.

[wall_o_fish]

Yeah, I agree. i've used it many times for aquarium water, and once it dries, it's safe.

scott

[Smokey]

Ron, you certainly do let your fingers do the walking.

Thanks for the info.

Smokey