Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is not toxic, harmful or dangerous. In fact, of all the fluids used in a truck, such as diesel, engine oil, brake fluid, antifreeze and windscreen wash, DEF is the least hazardous.

How toxic is DEF?

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is a non-toxic, high purity solution comprised of 32.5% urea and 67.5% de-ionized water.

Is DEF toxic on skin?

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is a colorless, non-hazardous, and non-flammable chemical. If DEF comes into contact with skin it can simply be washed off with water. DEF is sensitive to chemical impurities and it is essential that it is handled carefully to prevent contamination.

Is DEF non hazardous?

DEF in non-toxic, non-flammable and is not dangerous. It is actually less hazardous than other fluids such as antifreeze, engine oil or diesel. … Your DEF dealer can advise you and ISO 22241 standards should be used when materials come in contact with DEF.

Can you dump DEF down the drain?

If one needs to dispose of bad DEF, do so in an ethical manner. Do not pour DEF down a drain or dump outside. Every area has proper DEF disposal regulations so check with the local government, municipal and environmental agency.

Is DEF highly toxic?

Like all chemicals, DEF should be handled with care, but the MSDS makes it quite clear that DEF is NOT a hazardous substance.

Is DEF fluid harmful to humans?

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is not toxic, harmful or dangerous. In fact, of all the fluids used in a truck, such as diesel, engine oil, brake fluid, antifreeze and windscreen wash, DEF is the least hazardous.

Is DEF fluid toxic to animals?

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is a non-toxic, high purity solution comprised of 32.5% urea and 67.5% de-ionized water for specific use in Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems.

What to do if you get DEF on your skin?

If you get DEF on your skin, flush the area with cool water, then wash with soap and water. If you get DEF on your clothing, wash the contaminated clothing in a separate load. Don’t get DEF in your eyes. If you do, flush your eyes with cool water.

Does DEF eat brass?

Is DEF corrosive? Yes, DEF is corrosive to copper and brass, as well as other materials. Only approved materials listed in the ISO 22241 standards should be used with DEF.

Article first time published on

Can DEF fluid make you sick?

Diesel exhaust can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, and it can cause coughs, headaches, lightheadedness and nausea.

Is California banning DEF?

California will ban sales of new gas and diesel vehicles by 2035. In an executive order, Gov. Gavin Newsom said passenger vehicles will be required to have zero emissions. … Gavin Newsom said passenger vehicles will be required to have zero emissions.

Is DEF fluid environmentally friendly?

DEF is a non-hazardous fluid that, to meet federal environmental regulations, is added to the exhaust systems of diesel vehicles to break polluting emissions into water and nitrogen. … DEF should never be used as an additive for any fuel, diesel or aircraft, and is sprayed directly into exhaust systems.

Can you pee in your DEF tank?

Please do not urinate in your DEF tank, the SCR system will be damaged and it will cost thousands of dollars to repair.

Can you pour DEF on the ground?

While DEF is not toxic, flammable, or explosive, it should still be handled with care to avoid spills, contact with eyes, or accidental ingestion. If spilled on the floor, cover with an absorbent, non-combustible material like sand.

How do you dispose of DEF fluid?

Because DEF is relatively clean and non-toxic, spills are not a cause for alarm. For relatively minor spills, simply cover the liquid with an absorptive material such as sand, to soak up the liquid. Then the sand can be scooped up and shoveled into a container for disposal via your standard disposal service.

What happens if you swallow def?

Routes of exposure: Eye, Skin contact, Inhalation, Ingestion Eyes: May cause irritation Skin: May cause irritation Inhalation: May cause irritation, May cause respiratory tract irritation Ingestion: May cause stomach distress, nausea or vomiting Target Organs: Eyes, skin and respiratory system.

What chemicals are in DEF fluid?

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) which is composed of 32.5 percent urea and 67.5 percent deionized water. For those who like trivia, urea is considered to be the first organic compound to be synthesized from inorganic chemicals.

Is DEF fluid made from urine?

The Bottom Line on Urine and DEF Diesel exhaust fluid is not made of urine, and if you are going to urinate in your SCR system, you’re looking at having to pay some pretty hefty repair costs to clean and replace engine components once they have been contaminated.

What are examples of toxic chemicals?

• Formaldehyde.
• Mercury.
• Lead.
• Asbestos.
• Hazardous/Toxic Air Pollutants.
• Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
• Pesticide Chemicals. Glyphosate.
• Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

What is the best way to control a very toxic chemical?

To prevent exposure to a very toxic material, strict control measures are required. Ventilation is a very important control measure for very toxic materials. Well-designed and well-maintained ventilation systems remove the very toxic vapours, fumes, mists or airborne dusts from the workplace before workers are exposed.

What is highly toxic material?

Examples of highly toxic chemicals include: hydrazine, mercuric chloride, osmium tetroxide, white or red phosphorus, sodium azide, and sodium cyanide. The median lethal dose (LD50) for a dangerously toxic chemicals is oral rat LD50 of less than 1 mg/kg of body weight.

Can DEF fluid explode?

DEF itself doesn’t burn, so it won’t explode directly but as with anything that is stored in canisters or bottles, there is a potential explosion hazard by heating the storage container. The DEF could, in theory, expand enough to break the walls of the container resulting in an “explosion”.

What does DEF do to concrete?

Delayed ettringite formation (DEF) is expansion and cracking of concrete associated with the delayed formation of the mineral ettringite which is a normal product of early cement hydration. DEF is a result of high early temperatures (above 70oC – 80oC) in the concrete which prevents the normal formation of ettringite.

Is DEF harmful to animals?

No. DEF is a nontoxic, nonpolluting, non-hazardous and nonflammable solution. It is stable, colorless, and meets accepted international standards for purity and composition. DEF is safe to handle and store and poses no serious risk to humans, animals, equipment or the environment when handled properly.

Does DEF go bad?

Because it doesn’t include any preservatives, DEF does come with a shelf life. The good news is, it’s a fairly long shelf life; DEF can usually be stored up to one year without any issues.

Are all DEF fluids the same?

DEF fluids all must meet an international standard and standards from the EPA that measure the purity of this fluid. Only purchase a DEF that meets the ISO 22241 standard. Sometimes, inexpensive bottles of fluid may claim to be DEF-compatible. However, if they don’t also meet the ISO 22241 standard, they are not DEF.

Is DEF corrosive to plastic?

Most DEF is currently sold via plastic tote jug that comes complete with its own single-use funnel. Another thing to keep in mind is that DEF is corrosive, which is why all truck makers provide plastic DEF tanks.

Will def fluid eat rubber hose?

Though harmless to humans, DEF is a highly corrosive fluid to most rubber and metals and requires specially formulated rubber compounds and stainless steel couplings for optimal handling.

Can DEF freeze?

Diesel Exhaust Fluid or DEF Fluid Whether in storage tanks or in equipment, DEF can freeze and possibly cause issues. As temperatures drop below 12°F, DEF will begin to solidify and not work as intended.

Is breathing diesel fumes bad for you?

Breathing in diesel exhaust can cause lung irritation and/or an allergic reaction causing asthma (wheezing and difficult breathing), or making pre-existing asthma worse. Other symptoms may include feeling lightheaded, headache, or nausea. Long term exposure may lead to serious health effects.