Is automotive urea solution harmful to the human body?
2 Answers
Automotive urea is not harmful to the human body, as it is not classified as a hazardous chemical and poses no harm to humans or the environment under normal usage. Here is relevant information: 1. Automotive urea is a liquid used in SCR technology to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from diesel vehicles. It consists of 32.5% high-purity urea and 67.5% deionized water. 2. However, prolonged skin contact with automotive urea should be avoided, as it can release ammonia gas at high temperatures. Ammonia has corrosive properties, and prolonged exposure may lead to skin discoloration or ulcers.
As a long-time diesel vehicle user, I can confirm that diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) does require careful handling. It's primarily composed of urea and water, similar to some fertilizer components. Direct skin contact may cause irritation, redness, or allergic reactions, especially for people with sensitive skin. If it accidentally splashes into eyes, it causes a burning sensation and requires immediate rinsing; ingestion is more dangerous and may lead to nausea or vomiting. But don't worry too much - during routine refills, I simply wear gloves and wash my hands afterward. For storage, I keep it on high shelves in the garage, away from children and pets. Why use it? Mainly for environmental protection - the SCR system helps reduce harmful nitrogen oxides in exhaust, making the air cleaner. So overall, when used properly, the risks are minimal and its use is definitely worth promoting.