There are some nasty facts that are convenient to ignore when we want a quick fix for a clogged drain pipe. It is too easy to go to the nearest supermarket or hardware store and grab one of those chemical drain plumbers. You will want to resist that impulse when you learn about the toxic ingredients contained within and how they can be a danger to you, your children, your pipes, our waterways and wildlife.
The unpleasant truth about traditional drain cleaners is that they are potent because they are made of corrosive, harmful and caustic base ingredients such as sodium hydroxide (lye), potassium hydroxide or sodium hypochlorite (bleach). The acid drain cleaners contain dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride or sulfuric acid. These various different chemicals can cause skin, eye, nose, throat, sinus and lung irritation. Some can eat right through skin! In addition, they can damage the kidneys, liver, and central nervous system. If swallowed, they can be deadly poisonous. And we are using these why?
Even though most sulfuric acid cleaners are used mostly by professionals, they still pose a hazard. According to NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), “The colorless oily liquid is corrosive to metals and tissue. Long term exposure to low concentrations or short term exposure to high concentrations can result in adverse health effects from inhalation.
It is highly reactive and capable of igniting finely-divided combustible materials on contact. When heated, it emits highly toxic fumes.” It can also “react violently with water”. It is corrosive to all body tissues. Inhalation of vapor may cause serious lung damage. Contact with eyes may result in total loss of vision.” From here the list of toxic effects goes on.
In addition to the active ingredients that actually cut through the grease and hair, etc. in your drains, these cleaners contain surfactants often added to reduce surface tension, promote mixing of solutions, and reduce foaming. Thioglycolate salt is used which, according the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Data Base is now known to cause developmental reproductive toxicity as well as nerve and organ system toxicity. Some fluorosurfactants have been found in the blood of general populations and wildlife. They seem to bio-accumulate and show signs of toxicity. As a result, regulatory agencies are now looking at these more closely. According to Science Lab, the substances may be toxic to upper respiratory tract, skin, eyes. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage.
Some of these chemicals have smells that are somewhat unpleasant. “Masking” fragrances are added to cover up these smells. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has found that “one-third of the substances used in the fragrance industry are toxic.” Companies aren't required to list their ingredients because the chemical formulas are considered trade secrets, so they only have to label them as containing "fragrance." They are almost always synthetic and as a result may produce acute effects such as headache, sneezing, respiratory irritation, and watery eyes in sensitive individuals or allergy and asthma sufferers.
Dyes are used to make the mucky-colored chemicals more pleasing to the eye, making the products more marketable. Due to the ‘trade secret’ nature of these chemical drain cleaners it is nearly impossible to determine the exact chemicals used in these dyes.
You may be a great chef in the kitchen or an amateur chemist but don’t try mixing different drain cleaners together or with other household cleaners -- no matter how badly your drain is clogged. A variety of disastrous results may occur, from the release of toxic gases to violent eruptions. Logic may tell you to add hot water in order to dilute the chemicals but some chemical reactions can actually be accelerated by doing this.
There is no reason to jeopardize your family or the living world around you. Drainbo® Natural Drain Care Treatment and Cleaner is the all natural, non-toxic biological alternative to toxic chemical drain cleaners. It is the complete treatment and cleaner for drains and septic systems – whether a commercial or household setting. Drainbo® is a seven strain bacteria formula designed to digest and therefore remove the deposits in the drains or septic systems. It removes grease, fats, soaps, detergents and other common blockage materials – naturally and safely.
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