Well there's been some discussion about this. It is possible to *charge* a surface w/an abrasive, but usually this happens as a result of 2 metal surfaces coming into somewhat vigorous contact, w/an intervening abrasive. By comparison I would have to think the adverse effects are minor, but it might be a valid concern. I would think to make tiny flecks of metal or other substance imbed in a surface, you'd have to push pretty hard. But some loose particles could catch on porous surfaces possibly, though I'm not sure they'd tend to stick there permanently. But who knows. ?I have asked how you could test a surface to see if it was charged w/particles, but thus far no answers. Perhaps some type of fine paper or plastic if rubbed on the surface would alert to the presence of icky stuff. But then again how would you distinguish that from the jagged surfaces of metal itself? --- On Mon, 1/19/09, William Donzelli <wdonzelli at gmail.com> wrote: From: William Donzelli <wdonzelli at gmail.com> Subject: Re: Oxidation To: "General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts" <cctalk at classiccmp.org> Date: Monday, January 19, 2009, 10:22 AM -----Inline Attachment Follows----- No, using steel wool on many other metals will later result in more corrosion. Steel wool leaves behind tiny bits of metal embedded in the metal, and these can cause problems if there is enough moisture. -- Will