North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Elizabeth Hilborn <ehilborn@mebtel.net>]

Hi folks,

I urge caution using DMSO.  Although it generally has low toxicity by 
itself, it is biologically active and can have adverse human health effects.

The biggest potential problem is that DMSO crosses the skin barrier very 
easily. It has the ability to increase absorption through the skin of 
some contaminants or toxins that may be present on the skin or in the 
DMSO. Normally the skin acts as a barrier to absorption of toxins, DMSO 
greatly reduces this barrier.

If you plan to use it on your plants, I suggest using effective personal 
protective gear to apply it.

Betsy Hilborn
7a NC

On 6/8/2012 11:43 PM, Dan Nave wrote:
> A report on a short book by Dr. David Williams on DMSO notes the following
> concerning use of DMSO for frost protection for humans and plants (see below).
> DMSO (Dimethyl sulfoxide) is a sulfur compound which has solvent properties.
> It is used to treat cells that will be frozen and for certain medical 
> conditions.
> It is popularly used on horses (and some people) as a liniment for pain and 
> inflammation relief.
>
>
>
> "DMSO's first major use was to act as a type of antifreeze to preserve
> tissue. Keeping this in mind, it should come as no surprise that it can
> perform miracles on frostbitten tissue. In one animal study, if DMSO was
> applied prior to the tissue freeze, damage was practically nonexistent.
> Amazingly, humans using DMSO up to 24 hours after the freeze showed total
> recovery without any gangrene or necessity for amputation. DMSO should be
> applied within 12-24 hours of the freezing, however, it works even better if
> applied before freezing. A 70-90% solution seems to work best prior to a
> freeze. In acute incidents when it is necessary to apply the DMSO after the
> freeze, a soak may be indicated."
>
> "Williams goes on to say that DMSO may be very helpful for orchard growers
> when frost comes around. Spraying the fruit or young plants with .5%
> solution of DMSO has saved plants experiencing 4 hours of 20*F weather.
> Interesting!!"
> __________________