Harvey,
You state that "dilute phosphoric acid is not toxic (it is added to some
fizzy soft drinks) and phosphate promotes the growth of plants and trees
(and algae in rivers, which is why phosphate cleaners are banned in some
places)."
Toxicity is usually a function of concentration, but not always a linear
function. For example, high concentrations of selenium are toxic, but low
concentrations are essential for life. At low concentrations, phosphoric
acid won't do you in, but I wouldn't want to push the envelope too far! As
you correctly point out, though, phosphates are nutrients and can lead to
algae blooms and eutrophication of surface waters and that's the reason why
phosphate-containing cleaning agents tend to be banned. BTW, some phosphates
tend to be slightly radioactive because they tend to absorb and incorporate
naturally occurring uranium and thorium and some of their radioactive decay
daughters such as polonium and radium.
Based on the observation that it "smells like vinegar," I still suspect that
the CorroDip contains acetic acid and, possibly citric acid and EDTA
(ethylenediaminetetracetic acid) and is similar to C.L.R. sold in North
America. If I ever find the time, I'll try some C.L.R. on a rusty piece of
steel, of which I have more than I wish I had. :-(
Chuck Vandergraaf
'52 +4
Pinawa, MB
> ----------
> From: Harvey Gilmartin[SMTP:harveyg@netzero.net]
> Reply To: Harvey Gilmartin
> Sent: Monday, June 14, 1999 8:43 AM
> To: 'morgans@autox.team.net'
> Subject: RE: CorroDip (Corrosion Dissolver)
>
> Perhaps phosphate-based cleaners (phosphoric acid is a phosphate) are
> illegal in Aus. so they have to use something else. I suspect the
> phosphate-based stuff available in usa works as well or better than
> Corrodip.
> Harvey
> BTW dilute
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