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Mist

Definition

Avoid inhalation of dangerous mists with respiratory protection equipment from Safety Emporium.

A mist or fog is a microscopic suspension of liquid droplets in a gas such as the Earth's atmosphere. The term is most often used with respect to water vapor. The size of the liquid particles is usually in the range of 1 to 1,000 nanometers. Do not confuse a fog with a vapor. Vapors are composed of single, gas-phase molecules whereas mist droplets are liquid-phase and contain thousands or millions of molecules. Many, but not all, vapors are colorless and therefore invisible, whereas fogs can generally be seen and reduce visibility. Vapors do not wet objects that they contact (although they may condense on or react with a surface) whereas mists generally do. See the vapor entry for more information about solids, liquids and gases. Do not confuse mists with fumes which are solid airborne particles.

Additional Information

The term "fog" is usually applied to a suspension that has condensed from the vapor phase to the liquid phase. "Mist" is usually applied to a liquid material that becomes airborne using mechanical force or action such as a spray nozzle, splashing or agitation. In general, the terms are used interchangeably.

Fogs or mists are examples of aerosols or colloids. Further information about flammable aerosols is available.

Mists of hazardous chemicals are not uncommon in the workplace. Examples include paint sprays, oil mists from cutting or grinding operations, and acid mists.

MSDS Relevance

This term usually appears on an MSDS in one of two ways: It may describe the chemical behavior of a volatile material. A mist or fog of water vapor or other material may be prescribed as a fire-fighting measure. If the mist is a hazardous material, eye and skin contact as well as inhalation is a danger. You can change your workplace practices to reduce or eliminate the formation of mists in the first place, use engineering controls such as local exhaust ventilation, and wear appropriate personal protective equipment to reduce these risks. Also recognize that when a mist droplet hits a solid surface it will usually wet the material, compounding your problems.

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Further Reading

• A meteorologist's view of fog at Fly Light.
• We can express the relationships between phases using a phase diagram.
• More on the phases of matter at the U of Florida.
• The NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards entry on Oil mist (mineral).
• OSHA has a web page devoted to Vegetable Oil Mist that includes a link to Occupational Safety And Health Guideline For Vegetable Oil Mist.

See also: boiling point, dust, engineering controls, fume, vapor, ventilation.

Additional definitions from Google and OneLook.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is believed to be true and accurate, however ILPI makes no guarantees concerning the veracity of any statement. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. ILPI strongly encourages the reader to consult the appropriate local, state and federal agencies concerning the matters discussed herein.