Since the continuous price increases of normal diesel there has been great interest and desire to make fuels from waste oils. This so-called Biodiesel is derived from oils used such as vegetable, or animal fats. Diesel from fossil sources is ever increasing in price owing to government taxation. In the prodcutio of biodiesel there are a few chemicals that could be hazardous if not handled correctly.

Methanol is one of the main components used in the process. It is an alcohol, and is part of the same family as Ethanol. However it is very toxic. It will do severe damage to your body and some cases in the past methanol poisoning has led to blindness and also death. So beware! Keep all methanol fumes down to  the absolute minimum. It is absorbed through inhalation, skin contact, and ingestion so minimise exposure to all methanol! And use in a well ventilated area.

Quite a few professional chemists underestimate the health hazards of exposure to methanol. They should know better and if it was wasn’t for good ventilation their health might be compromised. So any spillages are not to be inhaled but it is better to evacuate the area until the vapour has dissipated and cleared.

For this reason if you have a garage adjoined to use your house it’s not a good idea to use this for manufacture of biodiesel. Fumes will get into the house.

Another component used in the production of home-made biodiesel is caustic soda. It’s real name is Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH). It is a powerful alkali, and base. This means that it will attack skin if left to dwell. Any contact with NaOH or a powerful solution of NaOH should be thoroughly washed, quickly.