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W EEKLY EDITION AUG 23, 2017 What You Need to Know about Formaldehyde …continued By PSAI Executive Director Karleen Kos The PSAI ' s Take on Formaldehyde The PSAI published a comparison of the three most common classes of deodorizers in its annual Industry Resource Directory. That volume was mailed to all Members in February (or in their new Member packet if they joined after that); it is also available behind the Member Portal on the PSAI's website (see pages 134 - 135). The article provides basic information and considerations for e ach class of deodorizer product. As we noted at the beginning of this article, formaldehyde is a popular deodorizer in the portable sanitation industry. The PSAI has no position on whether any operator should or should not use it. Like all products, it ha s upsides and downsides. Assuming it is legal to use and dispose of formaldehyde in your area, the choice is a business decision you will need to make based on the factors that are most important to your company. We strongly urge operators who use products that are regulated, including formaldehyde, to educate themselves regarding what is required of them as employers. The OSHA information in this article is a good first step in that regard. You should also follow all instructions on the SDS supplied by the manufacturers and discuss the risks of use with your insurance carrier. PAGE 5 135 2017 INDUSTRY RESOURCE DIRECTORY Tip #3: Know Your Costs. Certain types of deodorizers may seem less expensive than others, but you cannot be sure if your real costs are lower unless you do the math. To get a true picture, you need to understand two numbers: • Cost per charge. This includes the cost of the deodorizer, and the cost of spillage/waste, storage, and related expenses beyond the purchase price. • Cost to dispose. Different areas and disposal sites have different regulations. Some deodorizers are more welcome at certain disposal sites than others. Find out whether there are differences in your area, and !gure the disposal cost of using each product you are considering. Your deodorizer representative can advise you on how to do these calculations—and most would be delighted to help you. Tip #4: If Your Deodorizer Isn't Working, Use More Water. One of the most common misconceptions about deodorizers is the idea that adding more water will "dilute" the deodorizer. This is simply not true—at least not until you get so much water involved that it would hardly !t in your tank. Adding water activates the chemicals in the deodorizer so the deodorizer can do its job. Although you may want to reduce the water in your tank to make it possible to service less frequently, be aware of the downsides. Less water may allow a larger waste load, but it also often means more unpleasant odors and unhappy customers. The right quantity of water both properly and fully activates the deodorizer, as well as covers the waste. This combination keeps odors at their lowest. Tip #5: Treat Deodorizer as Part of an Experience Delivery System. No single product can be responsible for providing a good portable toilet experience. The tank deodorizer should be one component— think about how your deodorizers work with complementary products such as urinal blocks, air fresheners, and soaps. These scents should work together, not !ght one another. Talk with your deodorizer representative about which fragrances team up well. Tip #6: Rotate Your Scents at Long-Term Contract Sites. After a while, the nose will be desensitized to the deodorizer fragrance (fragrance fatigue), and the end user will think the toilets are not being serviced properly. If you provide units over a long period of time where the users are expected to be the same people (think construction sites, parks where softball leagues play a weekly game, etc.), rotating the fragrances may help users perceive less unpleasant odor— provided, of course, you are using enough water to properly activate the deodorizer. Tip #7: Use Your Deodorizer Representative as a Resource. Deodorizer reps know a lot about deodorizers, sure, but they know about a lot of other things, too. Most of them would be glad to help you determine your costs and solve problems. They are especially knowledgeable about the chemicals in their products and how waste disposal sites treat them. Don't be afraid to ask for help in dealing with a disposal site if they have concerns about your deodorizer. It's what your rep does for a living—and typically has a lot of experience in these situations. Portion control tablets, packets, etc. • Controlled dosing for consistent cost per service; no overuse or spillage loss • Clean, mess-free application • Easy storage and handling • Liability risk for spills is greatly reduced • Less "exibility in changing dose for different tank !ll levels or low usage • Most portion control products that are wrapped in water soluble packages do not dissolve in salt brine DEODORIZER DELIVERY METHOD FEATURES/BENEFITS CONSIDERATIONS (continued) 134 2017 INDUSTRY RESOURCE DIRECTORY Deodorizers are an essential part of most portable sanitation operations. The following information is intended to provide basic information about the options available to PROs. For detailed analysis of what deodorizer solutions are the best !t for your needs, check with representatives of the companies that manufacture and sell these products. Tip #1: Ask Questions and Understand How Deodorizers Work. Regardless of the type of deodorizer your company chooses to use, expect that virtually all of them will include the following elements: • Odor control to neutralize or remove the unpleasant scents that are natural when organic matter is breaking down • Fragrances to offer an alternative scent to the natural ones being neutralized or removed • Dyes to color the water in the tank and promote the perception of cleanliness • Surfactants to lower the surface tension so waste is more easily covered by the water in the tank and dispersed Tip #2: Match the Type of Deodorizer and the Delivery Method to Your Business Needs. Deodorizer products currently available generally fall into three broad categories and two delivery methods. There are several considerations in choosing from among them: What is allowed in your area, cost, and convenience are probably the most important ones. Formaldehyde—a biocide that masks odors and reduces the production of odors • It's the oldest deodorizer, at one time was the most common, and it still is perceived as a very powerful solution, especially in hot climates • Tends to be less expensive than other product classes • The substance is highly regulated in some states and municipalities • The US Toxicology Program lists formaldehyde as a "known carcinogen," while the World Health Organiztion suggests it is a "possible" carcinogen Formaldehyde-free biocides—work by preventing the growth of bacteria and subsequent odors in the tank, paired with one of many pleasant scents to mask odor • These products actually break down the source of odors in a tank; they are still constantly being updated and improved • Break down solids and paper to reduce mounding • Depending upon the components in the biocide, these products may be scrutinized at waste treatment facilities; regulations vary worldwide. Your supplier can provide you supporting documentation to assist you at the disposal facility Biological "green" deodorizers—work by masking and/or breaking down odor molecules to odorless ones, using odor capture technology, or natural odor neutralizers. Note: There is no standard de!nition of the term "green" products. Be sure to ask how the manufacturer de!nes the term • Most "environmentally friendly" of the three product classes • The products are bene!cial to the treatment plant, so loads containing only green products are relatively easy to dispose • Experts agree the trend is toward more "green" (environmentally friendly) products • PROs using these products can promote their eco-friendly approach • In general, green deodorizers are perceived as less effective than other options. They take the most time to activate in the tank and are sometimes viewed as not lasting as long as other product types • Temperatures greatly affect the performance of these products. In cold climates they are particularly ineffective DEODORIZER TYPE FEATURES/BENEFITS CONSIDERATIONS Liquid • Service technician can change the strength of the charge depending on the need • Charge can be pre-mixed to shorten servicing time • Available in a wide variety of strengths and fragrances • Liquids can be messy to deal with • Spills can be costly —both due to wasted product and the requirements of cleanup • Dif!culty controlling over-usage can increase the cost per service • Storage and containment can be an issue for large volumes DEODORIZER DELIVERY METHOD FEATURES/BENEFITS CONSIDERATIONS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DEODORIZERS