[alfa] Re: coolant disposal

["Dean Mericas" <dmericas@xxxxxxxxx>]

My work involves dealing with the environmental impacts of ethylene and
propylene glycols in the fluids used to deice aircraft.  Both ethylene and
propylene glycol are basically liquid sugars, and they readily biodegrade.
The additives are typically the major issue in the impacts of deicers, and
I'm sure they are an issue with coolants, but they generally are degraded as
well in the biological treatment process.  The standard method for disposal
of spend fluids is discharge to a sanitary sewer.  The advice to pour spent
coolant down the drain is sound.

Dean Mericas
Ann Arbor, MI
1974 2000 GTV

>Some chemist or biologist please correct me if I am wrong, but
>I was under
>the impression that coolant will decompose in nature.  There are enough
>natural flora out there to take care of small quantities over time.
>The real danger is of poisoning any animals happening by who lap it up,
>because it tastes sweet.  The toxic byproduct of digestion is
>oxalic acid,
>but this can be avoided by...wait for it... drinking booze!  I
>actually saw
>this recommendation on an MSDS:  medical care will be delayed
>several hours,
>give the patient three to four 1-ounce oral "shots" of
>86-proof or higher
>whiskey before or during transport to the hospitalmedical care will be
>delayed several hours, give the patient three to four 1-ounce oral
>"shotsmedical care will be delayed several hours, give the
>patient three to
>four 1-ounce oral "shotsmedical care will be delayed several
>hours, give the
>patient three to four 1-ounce oral "shotsmedical care will be delayed
>several hours, give the patient three to four 1-ounce oral
>"shotsmedical
>care will be delayed several hours, give the patient three to
>four 1-ounce
>oral "shotsmedical care will be delayed several hours, give the patient
>three to four 1-ounce oral "shots"If medical care will be
>delayed several
>hours, give the patient three to four 1-ounce oral
>
>"shots" of 86-proof or higher whiskey before or during transport to the
>hospital."
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