On Wed, 17 May 1995, Jeremy Burbidge wrote:
 
> We have heard from Europe that beekeepers have been permanently and totally
> blinded by improper use of formic acid to control varroa. Can anyone confirm
> this as fact or rumour ?
>
> Jeremy Burbidge
> Publisher Bee Biz, the magazine for the commercial beekeeper world wide.
>
> Replies would be appreciated to [log in to unmask]
>
Formic acid is scary, scary stuff.
 
Here are some short excerpts from a Fischer Scientific publication 90/12/12.
"A worker spashed in the face with hot formic acid developed marked
dyspnea and dysphagia and died within 6 hours"
 
"One case case been reported of a worker who had an unknown
concentration of formic acid splashed in his eye.  Despite immediate
irrigation with water, the cornea became infiltrated with blood vessels,
and dense symblepharon between the upper lid and limbus, and clouding of
cornea resulted.  Following recovery vision remained 3/10 at best."
 
I cannot put my hands on it at the moment but I recall reading that the
vapours are damaging at 16 ppm but that the odour cannot be detected
until 21 ppm.
 
If you intent to use formic acid be sure to do your homework and BE CAREFUL.
 
 
Eric Abell                           email: [log in to unmask]
Gibbons, AB, T0A 1N0
Canada
(403) 998 3143