It appears unlikely that significant toxicity will occur after the ingestion of one hand warmer packet. The ingestion of larger amounts might lead to iron-related toxicity and may justify more aggressive management, including appropriate gastrointestinal decontamination.
Nope. Hand warmers are actually pretty safe. The ingredients are iron powder, activated charcoal, vermiculite, sodium chloride, water and iron powder. There are no reports of elemental iron or iron oxides ingestion causing iron toxitcity.
Even a small hole can let in sufficient oxygen to keep the reaction going and render your hand warmer cooked.
Modern units may use a glass fiber substrate coated with platinum or another catalyst; some older units used asbestos substrates. The replaceable catalyst units can last for many years provided they have combusted vapour from their cotton wadding filled fuel reservoir, and have not had fuel directly applied to them.
While the iron ingredients in hand warmers are the main toxic concern, all parts of the hand warmer, including the outer fabric covering, can make your dog sick if ingested. Single-use hand warmers are primarily made up of iron powder and activated charcoal, and they have a fabric-type outer covering.
Hand Warmers
Disposable hand warmers contain elemental iron. Once the iron is removed from its plastic packaging and exposed to air, the iron becomes oxidized and heats up. If your pet ingests this part of a disposable hand warmer, it's likely that they could experience symptoms of an upset stomach.
Most hand warmers are not recyclable due to the chemicals they contain. Therefore, the best action is to dispose of them in the trash. However, avoid doing so while they are still hot. Let Them Cool: Always allow hand warmers to cool down completely.
Discussion: These hand warmers contain a mixture of iron powder, activated charcoal, vermiculite, sodium chloride, and water. Iron powder accounts for about 50% of the weight (range 95-120 g).
Asbestos in toasters
During the 50s, 60s and 70s, many toasters were riddled with asbestos that had been used predominately for heat insulation in the body, as well as electrical insulation around the cord.
When the wrapper is opened, air diffuses through the pouch, initiating an exothermic oxidation reaction between the iron and oxygen producing iron oxide (rust) and heat [4Fe + 3O2 → 2Fe2O3 + HEAT](2). The sodium chloride acts as a catalyst to speed up the rate of reaction.
Different brands might have varied guidelines on how to activate and use the warmers. Avoid Direct Skin Contact for Extended Periods: While hand warmers are designed to be safe, prolonged contact with the skin can cause burns or rashes.
There are several different types of disposable hand warmers, but the most common type contains small pieces of iron, water, activated charcoal, salt, a water reservoir, and a mineral called "vermiculite." And when the iron is exposed to oxygen, it begins to oxidize and generate heat.
Skin Irritation: Some people may experience skin irritation or allergies to the materials used in electric hand warmers. If you have sensitive skin, it's important to test the hand warmer on a small area of skin before using it.
Our HotHands® family of air activated warmers all contain a mixture of natural ingredients that when exposed to air react together to produce heat. This is accomplished through an extremely fast oxidation process.
Hand Warmers, Toe Warmers, Body Warmers
Disposable warming pads using carbon, charcoal, and iron compounds, Hot Hands, Little Hotties, etc. These air-activated body-warming pads are not regulated as hazardous materials for transportation and may be carried in carry-on or checked baggage.
To activate all warming packs, simply open the pack. The ingredients will begin to heat up as soon as they're exposed to oxygen (by way of the oxidation process). You can also shake the pack to speed up the warming process.
Reusable hand warmers work a little differently. They have a supersaturated sodium acetate solution inside the packet. As the solution crystalizes (sodium being salt), it releases energy as heat.
Although all HotHands® warmers are safe to handle and use, some people with sensitive skin (especially young children, Diabetics and the elderly) may have reduced sensation to heat.
Apart from carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and a weak smell of fuel could be released during operation. In a confined area, high concentration of carbon monoxide has adverse effects on human beings and may even cause death. Temperature is another concern.
Mummy them up tightly in about 2 feet of plastic wrap until you can no longer feel the heat coming through. The wrap cuts off the air, and they go dormant. Reactivate them by unwrapping them and shaking as usual. Roll the plastic wrap onto a tube and reuse it another day.
In case of an emergency, you can keep a few hand warmers in your car and shake them whenever you need to activate them. You can buy a large pack of hand warmers for a decent price on Amazon, so you can keep a few at home, a few in your car or even a couple in a backpack or purse just in case.
Lighter fluid can cause severe stomach upset and vomiting in pets. Vomiting may put your dog at risk for aspiration pneumonia if the liquid gets into your pet's lungs. If your pet has gotten into either fire-starter logs or lighter fluid, consult with your veterinarian or take your pet to the nearest animal hospital.
If you use hot hands, I would put them in a ziploc baggie to try to keep the cats from eating them, but yes bury them under the straw. They only last like 8 hrs though. Best to probably get an emergency blanket or reflective insulation to help disburse the heat.
Q: Why can't the warmers be applied directly to skin? A: Although all HeatMax® warmers are safe to handle and use, some people with sensitive skin (especially young children, diabetics and the elderly) may have reduced sensation to heat.