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Understand your MSDS with the MS-Demystifier				Search ALL our MSDS info

Demystify Material Safety Data Sheets with the MS-Demystifier

Mystified by all those terms in your MSDS's? The MS-Demystifier automatically scans your text or HTML-based MSDS's and inserts appropriate hyperlinks to our MSDS HyperGlossary.

Yes, no more sweating over what "diaphoresis" means. Simply run your sheet through the MS-Demystifier and your MSDS will forever say diaphoresis instead of plain old diaphoresis. Explanations for any term will only be one click away! See our examples page.

Instructions Paste your MSDS sheet text into the box on the right (1). If pasting in a plain text file uncheck the checkbox (2). If pasting in raw HTML code leave it checked. Hit the Demystify button (3). Use Save As Source... in your browser to save the resulting page as a thoroughly hyperlinked HTML file. Just looking? Try the MSDS for benzoic acid.

Paste your MSDS here:* HTML code must include HEAD and BODY tags Check here if you pasted raw HTML code.

Further Info and Questions

1. How long of a document can I Demystify?
All of the versions of Internet Explorer that we've tried limit your input to 32,000 characters. We've not examined the limits for users of other browsers. IE users with longer documents can split them into two or more portions and demystify each part separately. Another solution is to remove extraneous spaces and tabs in your HTML files (HTML optimizer software or web sites can reduce your HTML file size).
2. The demystifying hyperlinks stopped after a certain point in my document.
This can happen when there is an error in the original page's HTML code. Read through your source document to the point of the last hyperlink and then look around for HTML errors such as missing quotation marks, brackets etc.
3. Some words should have turned into hyperlinks but they didn't.
The Demystifier will not attempt to alter text that appears between HTML anchor tags (<A...> and </A>). Otherwise, it would disrupt existing hyperlinks or text anchors.
4. Can I use and distribute these sheets with links to your HyperGlossary?
Yes. The MS-Demystifier gives absolute pathnames to the hyperlinks so they will work whether you move the files to another directory or another server. No tweaking required. Whether they are sheets for your own use or your customers, the hyperlinks will reduce confusion about terminology and better inform the reader.
5. What does this cost?
Use of the MS-Demystifier and MSDS HyperGlossary is completely free. And we don't make you register, ask who you are, or abuse you with cookies. So what's in it for us? 1) It demonstrates the kind of expertise that ILPI can provide to your company, 2) it's a great community service and 3) it drives traffic to our (advertiser-supported) MSDS pages.
6. Can I batch convert files?
Currently, no. But if you want to pay us, we'd be happy to consider doing it for you!
7. Can the MS-Demystifier handle PDF documents?
Currently, no. We are looking for an inexpensive software solution that will allow us to insert hyperlinks into existing PDF files; if anyone knows of one please let us know.
8. Can I simply type in the URL of a sheet and get it converted that way?
Currently, no, but it's a great idea. We hope to offer this in a future version, possibly in late 2009.
9. Is the MS-Demystifier limited to MSDS's?
Nope. If you have a chemical hygiene plan, letter, email etc. or simply type something into the entry box, the MS-Demystifier will convert it. Give it a try. Of course, if you are converting material that is not relevant to safety you could be in for a surprise. Words like basic, concentration, mole and volatile have other meanings, for example.
10. My MSDS was all capital letters, but the MS-Demystifier changed the case of some words.
Yes, that's an unavoidable software limitation. We have a solution in mind, but it may be a while before we can deploy it.
11. Will the MS-Demystifier mess up my hyperlinks in my HTML documents?
It won't as long as you checked the HTML checkbox before Demystifying. For example, the word "hypergolic" would ordinarily be replaced with a hyperlink, but not if it appeared inside an HTML anchor such as <A HREF="http://bogus.com/hypergolic.html">check out this primer on hypergolic materials</A>.

If you have other questions or comments, simply contact our MSDS email address. We'd especially appreciate feedback on the Demystifier or MSDS HyperGlossary.