Chlorfoam - hazard as a cleaner

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the safety and chemical properties of Chlorfoam, a powerful detergent disinfectant. Participants explore its potential hazards, particularly in relation to its caustic nature and reactions with fruit acids, as well as the implications of improper use and dilution by untrained individuals.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • Chlorfoam has a high pH of 12.3, indicating it is caustic and potentially dangerous without proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Some participants express concern that Chlorfoam will react with fruit acids, which are both acidic and antioxidant, potentially leading to harmful chemical reactions.
  • Specific fruit acids mentioned include ascorbic, malic, tartaric, and maleic acids, which may undergo oxidation when exposed to the active chlorine in Chlorfoam.
  • There is a concern about the lack of awareness among users regarding the dangers of Chlorfoam, particularly in relation to dilution and the potential release of harmful gases.
  • One participant notes that the product should be used with adequate ventilation and that gloves are advisable when handling it regularly.
  • There is mention of a previous accident involving mixing caustic and acid, highlighting the risks associated with untrained staff using such cleaners.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the caustic nature of Chlorfoam and the potential dangers associated with its use. However, there is uncertainty regarding the specific reactions it may have with fruit acids and whether harmful gases would be released upon contact.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects concerns about the proper handling and understanding of chemical products, particularly among untrained users. There are unresolved questions about the exact nature of the reactions between Chlorfoam and various acids.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals involved in cleaning, chemical safety, or those interested in the interactions between cleaning agents and organic substances.

wolram
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Chlorfoam is a very powerful single stage detergent disinfectant, it is formulated to produce a stable clinging foam giving long contact times

Specific gravity 1.14
pH 1% solution 12.3
Active Alkalinity 5% w/w as Na2O
Active Biocide 3% Av. Cl (1% v/v solution gives 350 ppm Av. Cl

This is copied from the fact sheet, can anyone tell me if this is a dangerous cleaner
would it react with fruit acid?
 
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'Dangerous' is a relative term. The pH indicates that it is caustic. pH 12.3 can be dangerous unless ppe is employed. The available chlorine (expressed as ppm Cl2) is high and will certainly react with fruit acids which are generally both acidic and antioxidant in nature. The basic nature of this detergent will certainly react with any acids, including fruit acids in an acid/base fashion. The deprotonated acids are susceptible to oxidation, which this cleaner has as well. The fruit acids I am thinking about are ascorbic, malic, tartaric, and maleic. Other compounds generally found in fruit acid formulations are also considered antioxidants. Consider, for example, resveratrol, which as three acidic phenolic protons. This detergent would wreck this structure.
 
Last edited:
Thank you, chemisttree, i know nothing about chemistry, but i do read labels on containers,
when i noticed that the people using this product were no way measuring the dilution i asked the question, it seems that none of them were aware of the dangers apart from being told to use a face mask.
I also worried that putting this cleaner on fruit may give off harmful gas.
 
wolram said:
Thank you, chemisttree, i know nothing about chemistry, but i do read labels on containers,
when i noticed that the people using this product were no way measuring the dilution i asked the question, it seems that none of them were aware of the dangers apart from being told to use a face mask.
I also worried that putting this cleaner on fruit may give off harmful gas.

I hope this isn't related to your other 'gas' post (human methane)! It shouldn't give off any gas other than the chlorine. This detergent should be used with adequate ventilation as well. At 1% it is pH 12.3... that's pretty caustic. Standard chlorine bleach is something like 5% to 6% available Cl so this is roughly as active as standard bleach diluted 1:1... pretty strong as I see it. I would definitely wear gloves if I were handling this routinely. If it were to come in contact with enough concentrated acid in its undiluted form, you might clear the room. Otherwise the acid/base reactivity should be benign.
 
Thanks chem, we have had one accident all ready with mixing caustic and acid, untrained staff, so i keep my eyes open.
 

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