Guess the big question is what is non-toxic? Pretty difficult to so classify pistol cleaners and lubricants when most of the manufacturers keep their list of ingredients proprietary --- hence we have to trust the claims of manufacturers as to the toxicity of their products . Well, I learned a long time ago not to trust drug companies with their claims of non-toxicity or lack of side effects--- I'm sure the claims of those who manufacturer pistol cleaning products is no better. In fact, due to the relative lack of health regulation of these products I'm sure health safety claims are akin to those of snake oil salesmen of the early 1900s.
I have some interest in the field of lower toxicity firearms cleaning compounds so looked into it a bit. Let's take Ballistol for example. A basic step in knowing its safety would be to know its exact composition. I, at least, couldn't determine that -- just some vague MSDS info on general product classes in the liquid. So then I looked at the clinical experience with Ballistol. Despite the claims of Ballistol, or those who promote it, or infer things from its labelling -- it can be toxic to certain individuals -- it is well know to induce asthma attacks in many -- as I unfortunately found out. When severe, asthma can kill -- so much for low toxicity.
I've found many newer cleaning and lubricating compounds claim to be non-toxic or natural or food grade. Checking into some of these makes me think they are agricultural based -- likely many are soy based. Again there is a lack of disclosure as to their contents so the consumer cannot make a scientific review of the safety of the products therein contained. The manufacturers and sales people are inferring, through the marketing of their product as food grade or natural that such products are safer than other products. The question arises whether these agricultural based products are safer to us humans than petro-chemical based products -- the later basically decayed prehistoric plants and animals. I think consumers wish to think agricultural products are safer however I haven't seen the proof as no one will disclose their actual ingredients. Further these products are typically sold to us based on the testimonials of others, others who are experts with firearms. Well testimonials are a very weak source of evidence for human safety -- might be good for the products effectiveness as a cleaner -- but not for safety. Hence we are right back at square one.
Unless manufacturers are willing to be transparent with the contents of their cleaners and lubricants we truely will never know whether it is safer to use natural, food grade, agricultural products or the cheaper "petro-chemicals".
So after all is said and done here's what I do in an attempt to balance my cheque book and exposure to toxic firearm cleaning products:
1. open the windows when I'm cleaning
2. wear disposable nitrile gloves to minimize skin absorption
3. currently cleaning with whatever I fancy --- varies from MPro7 to whatever.
4. lubricating with Mobil 1 --- but I put it in nice little oilers so I can pretend I'm paying a lot of money for my oil but one litre will probably last me a lifetime.
As for a protectant (which is the missing ingredient in my logic) I don't use one. If the car, which I abuse a lot more than my guns, survives on cheaper oil than Mobil 1, I think I'm doing okay with premium Mobil 1 on my guns.
Stuart
