Question about "outgassing" for the chemists here!

3Legs · November 29, 2005 3:23AM

I am considering buying this very nice fire-resistant Browning Safe to house coins in. My concern is the outgassing of the carpeted interior. I called Browning about the fireproofing material & they said it was the safe "sheetrock" type that is not impregnated with moisture. However as far as the carpeting goes, they could only say it was "automotive type".

Is there an outgassing concern here? All my coins are in intercept boxes but I still would not want to have them in a fairly sealed up chemical rich environment. Comments from anyone with specific knowledge is greatly appreciated!

Russ · November 29, 2005 3:31AM

Before you buy a safe, you should read this excellent thread.

Russ, NCNE

MrHalfDime · November 29, 2005 3:40AM

I don't know if it is of any help, but I have 'outgassed' many times while looking at my coins, and they haven't retoned.

pharmer · November 29, 2005 3:41AM

Seems like it would be just what you're trying to avoid, a fairly sealed up chemical rich environment. Good on ya for asking before you did it, a rarity around here

3Legs · November 29, 2005 8:11AM

Thanks for the replies and special thanks to Russ for directing me to that thread. I am now researching safes other than the one I mentioned above.

pcpro · November 29, 2005 9:21AM

I would avoid any safe with organic materials in it, such as rugs, paper, plastics, wood, oil(s), etc.

Almost all of these materials outgas and/or decompose over time. Anything exposed to this process would be affected in some way.

Hopefully, they would lubricate the metallic parts with a silicone lubricant.

PC

LindeDad · November 29, 2005 9:31AM

<< <i>I would avoid any safe with organic materials in it, such as rugs, paper, plastics, wood, oil(s), etc. >>

Arn't slabs made of a type of plastic?

Conder101 · November 29, 2005 10:17AM

The plastics that carpeting is made from are pretty inert but the dyes and final steps in fixing the dyes in the carpet can use sulfur and ammonia bearing compounds that could cause problems. The solvents in the adhesive used to attach the carpeting could also cause a problem depending on what type is used. If you did go with that type of safe I would leave it open and with a fan blowing through it for a couple weeks, then close it witha dehumidifying agent such as silica gel in it. After a week open it and check for the "new carpet smell" If it is there repeat the airing out steps. Keeping the numidity down in a safe with carpeting in it is very important. Safes tend to be moisture traps and the latex used in the backing of the carpet makes a good growth media for molds.

dlimb2 · November 29, 2005 10:22AM

I have a Sentry safe and it has carpet inside. I have had it for 4 years and it has not gassed my coins and they are in albums.

ms70 · November 29, 2005 11:31AM

I removed all the carpeting from mine & replaced the shelves with bare stainless steel.

Question about &quot;outgassing&quot; for the chemists here!

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