Thermal paste, being one of the most crucial elements inside a computer CPU, can often be exposed to the users’ skin, eyes, etc. Even though thermal paste is composed of various chemicals, it cannot be called highly toxic.
Experts opine that thermal paste can cause severe irritation on the skin and other parts of the user’s body. But these irritations cannot be fatal. Even if the users accidentally ingest some thermal paste, it cannot cause any fatality other than severe irritation.
But this doesn’t mean that it is safe to consume thermal paste. Certain precautions are essential while handling thermal paste. Understanding the composition of the thermal paste and its harmful effects is necessary to avoid any unwanted exposure.
What is Thermal Paste Made Of?
A thermal paste is primarily made of multiple components. The components can be divided into two sections.
- Matrix
- Filler
Matrix
- The matrix is the base of the thermal paste.
- It can be made of various materials like silicones, epoxies, acrylates, urethanes, etc.
Filler
- A filler can or cannot be thermally conductive in a thermal paste.
- There are different types of fillers available in thermal pastes.
- Some popular fillers are Zinc Oxide, Aluminum Oxide, Carbon micro-particles, Aluminum Nitride, Zinc Oxide, Boron Nitride, etc.
- The filler content is primarily responsible for the thermal conductivity of a thermal paste.
- Metal fillers usually exhibit high thermal conductivity.
Does Thermal Paste Contain Mercury?
Thermal pastes usually do not contain mercury. The reason for not using mercury in thermal pastes is its toxicity. Mercury is highly toxic. Consuming or exposure to even a tiny amount of mercury is not at all advisable.
Mercury, as a liquid and vapor, can cause severe health issues in humans. Even if you inhale it, it can be fatal. As thermal paste usually comes in contact with the user’s skin, mercury is not used as an ingredient.
Is Thermal Paste Toxic to Breathe?
Inhaling fumes from thermal paste can indeed be harmful, especially if the exposure is prolonged or occurs in a poorly ventilated area. The specific risks depend on the composition of the thermal paste.
General Precautions:
It’s crucial to use thermal paste in well-ventilated areas to minimize inhalation risk. If you are using it in a professional setting, employing appropriate fume extraction and wearing protective masks can further mitigate risks.
Risk from Specific Components:
- Metal and Metal Oxide Components:
- Pastes containing metals or metal oxides like silver, aluminum, zinc oxide, or copper can produce fumes that are harmful to inhale.
- Chemical Additives:
- Some thermal pastes may contain chemical additives or solvents that can release toxic fumes when heated. Inhaling these can lead to respiratory irritation or more severe health issues.
- High-Conductivity Pastes:
- Some high-conductivity thermal compounds, especially those with exotic materials or aggressive chemical components, can be particularly hazardous to inhale.
Safety Measures:
- Avoid inhalation of fumes and ensure good ventilation.
- Review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for specific product safety information and recommended handling procedures.
- If exposure occurs and symptoms like dizziness, headache, or respiratory irritation are experienced, move to fresh air immediately, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
Remember, it is always essential to follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions when using thermal paste to avoid exposure to potentially harmful substances.
Is Thermal Paste Toxic to Skin?
Thermal paste can vary in its composition, so it’s essential to refer to the specific product’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed information on toxicity and safety precautions.
General Precautions:
Most standard thermal pastes, like those that are silicone-based with zinc oxide or aluminum oxide, are generally not highly toxic to the skin but can cause irritation in some individuals, especially after prolonged exposure. Therefore, it’s advisable to avoid direct skin contact when possible and to wash your hands thoroughly after handling.
Metal and Ceramic-Based Pastes:
Metal-based thermal pastes that contain silver or copper might have a higher risk of causing skin irritation, and some people might have an allergic reaction to these metals. Ceramic-based pastes are usually less irritating to the skin but can still cause discomfort to some individuals.
High-Conductivity Pastes:
Some high-conductivity thermal pastes, especially those containing exotic compounds or aggressive chemicals, can be more hazardous and may pose more significant risks upon skin contact.
Safety Measures:
- If the thermal paste does come into contact with the skin, it should be washed off immediately with soap and water.
- If irritation or an allergic reaction occurs, seek medical attention.
- It’s also essential to avoid contact with eyes, and if thermal paste does get in the eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water, and seek medical attention if necessary.
- Always use thermal paste in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling any fumes that may be released during application.
Is Thermal Paste Toxic to Dogs?
Thermal paste is usually non-toxic to dogs and humans. They contain chemicals. But the chemicals are not excessively harsh. They can only cause some infection and irritation when consumed or inhaled.
They do not cause any fatal issues to dogs or humans. Even if your dog consumes an entire tube of thermal paste, chances are only for it to have an upset stomach and other manageable health issues. However, it is highly advisable to avoid pets from exposing themselves to thermal paste, as it can cause irritations and infections.
What Happens If I Ingest Thermal Paste?
If you ingest thermal paste, the effects depend solely on your consumed amount. Because when eaten in a small amount, thermal paste does not cause any reaction at all.
The thermal paste contains various metal oxides and chemicals. These help with the conductivity of the paste. But none of these chemicals are highly toxic or fatal. So, if you accidentally consume a small quantity of thermal paste, you will be okay.
But if you consume a large amount of thermal paste, you may experience some irritations or infections, but nothing fatal. So, cleaning your hands after handling thermal paste is always advisable.
How to Apply Thermal Paste?
You can use the steps below to apply thermal paste effectively.
- Clean the surfaces onto which the thermal paste is to be applied.
- You can use a swab and isopropyl alcohol to remove any remaining thermal paste on the surfaces.
- Make sure to clean the surfaces of the heat sink and the processor.
- If you find any uneven parts on the surfaces, smooth them out using mild sandpaper.
- Once the surfaces are neat, you can apply the thermal paste.
- Take only a tiny amount of thermal paste and apply it to the center of the processor surface.
- You need not spread it across the processor as it can be messy. Instead, keep the thermal paste blob at the surface’s center.
- Place the heat sink over the processor. Make sure to apply even pressure from all directions.
- With the weight and heat from the heat sink, the blob of thermal paste will spread out evenly.
- It is vital to avoid applying more amount of thermal paste. Otherwise, it can spread out and leak onto the motherboard.
- The texture of the thermal paste changes when applied heat. It will turn more liquid in texture. So, a small amount of thermal paste can spread over a good surface area.
- Removing the heat sink and checking whether the thermal paste is spread evenly on the processor is not advisable.
- If you remove the heat sink, you must remove the thermal paste and then apply a fresh batch again.
- Once the application is over, you can connect the CPU fans, wires, etc., and reboot the system.
You may also like: Can Applying New Thermal Paste Resolve Overheating Issues?
Is It Okay If Thermal Paste Spills?
According to the experts, it is not okay for thermal paste to spill. Usually, the spill occurs when a large amount of product is applied to the processor’s surface. It is essential to understand that the thermal paste changes to a liquid form when exposed to heat.
So, while applying thermal paste, it is essential to keep the amount to a minimum to avoid it spreading too much and leaking through the sides when the heat sink is placed over.
When a thermal paste spills, it can have many impacts on the system.
- It can cause short circuits.Some thermal pastes are electrically conductive. If such a thermal paste leaks onto the motherboard or any other electronic component of the system, it can cause a significant short circuit. This can damage the system almost completely.
- It can lead to dry out.When thermal pastes spill, it can speed up the drying process of the paste. So, the paste can dry out very soon and affect the efficiency of the heat transfer process.
- It can overheat the system.Spilled thermal paste can affect the natural balance of the system’s inside. This can cause the system to overheat and damage itself gradually.
In case of a thermal paste spill, disconnect the system and remove the case to expose the spilled surface. You can clean the spill using a cotton cloth, swab, and mild amounts of isopropyl alcohol.
You may also like: Can Thermal Paste Harm the Processor?
Conclusion
Using a pair of protective gloves when handling thermal paste is an effective way to prevent accidental consumption. If you handle thermal paste with your bare hands and the paste sticks to your hand, you can use soap or toothpaste to clean it off effectively.