TOXIC REDUCTION

Lowering Toxic Reduction: Understanding The Imperfections Of Chemicals

Despite the many results and profits chemicals bring, chemicals do come with several disadvantages. One of the most notable of these is toxicity. Most chemicals are not safe for consumption, and if exposed to them often enough without precaution, they can bring about a variety of health complications for both people and the environment. 

Although this toxicity is present in a majority of industrial used solutions, there are environmentally friendly alternatives available for usage. They do not possess any toxins and promote a cleaner world. 

However, these components, qualities, and possibilities have led some to believe that there can be a ‘perfect’ chemical. A substance that is above all others in quality and performance, can be applied and distributed without risks or consequences. And although this would be highly effective and ideal, this simply is not true.  

No chemical is perfect. Each diverse and specific combination of elements comes with its strengths and weaknesses.  

Inside this community blog, we will further explain the composition of various chemicals, the history of their applications, what makes a chemical toxic, and how we promote toxic reduction as well as effective chemical usage.  

 A Brief History of Toxic Reduction

Before we can discuss some substances’ toxic natures and how to lessen them, we must begin with a better understanding of how they have come to be.  

The origin of chemicals has been roughly traced back to a few hundred thousand years after the creation of our universe. From the aftermath of the notable explosion, two distinct subatomic particles- electrons and protons- had cooled enough to settle into several elements. Two of these elements include helium and hydrogen, with helium receiving a lesser amount than hydrogen.  

Although these two subatomic particles contributed to these, this would be their most notable contribution to the formation of the substances that we know today. Since most other elements’ origins are attributed to the stars. Stars had been given their place in our universe millions of years after their formation. And it is from the formation of these many elements that chemical compounds became possible. Not only for our universe but for our world as well.   

When humans began to utilize these peculiar and vintage substances is somewhat unknown. There is no exact date, but historians have traced it back to ancient times. Where civilizations without modern industries had managed to create glass through the combination of alkaline and limestone. Glass that would then go on to be used for multiple products for trade. However, this creation of products from entwining certain combinations would not be the last nor would this new chemical development be lost to time. 

Soon enough the practice of utilizing chemicals for one of their greatest potentials among others had become industrialized, centuries after the first to apply them. The industrial revolution- a revolution in technological advancements, beginning in Britain around the eighteenth century- had been the birth of the chemical industry. Despite not truly becoming worldwide until a century after, this revolution commenced the creativity and means to produce chemicals on larger scales as well as in multiple parts of the world. It is from this revolution, that we can have not only substances for a variety of applications but also other alternatives.  

Chemicals for industrial usage though powerful and efficient, whether applied back then or in our current time, do produce toxins that harm not only the earth but ourselves as well. It is from the harm that these toxins inflict, some chemical companies have made efforts to offer more eco-friendly options. These efforts had begun a little more than two decades ago and have been gaining much support as well as implementation. 

Toxicities & Limitations  

Now that you have a good grasp on where chemicals have originated from and how the history of their applications has led us to the present, you may now be wondering the following question.  

What makes a chemical toxic?  

The answer to this is rather simple. Substances can be toxic due to containing components that damage the life of our planet as well as its many inhabitants. Two particular components that can result in a chemical’s toxicity are carbon and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Exposure to these, no matter if it is brief or elongated, can cause an abundance of complications. For the environment, it pollutes the air. For people, however, the complications are much more felt and seen.  

If exposed to these harmful substances briefly, people can experience some of the following: 

  • Vomiting 
  • Nausea 
  • Headaches 
  • Nose Irritation  
  • Eye Irritation 

If the exposure is more than brief, people can experience some of the following: 

  • Central Nervous System (CNS) Damage 
  • Lung Disease 
  • Various Cancers 
  • Death 

To avoid this exposure, some companies have introduced and encouraged chemicals that do not possess these harmful components. And although effective in keeping our environment healthy and those who use them the same, they do come with their consequences and limitations.  

Eco-friendly chemical products come at a higher price than their harmful counterparts. This can make them less desirable to industries, especially to those who cannot afford the expense.   

There is also the chance of customer backlash. Some consumers are reluctant to change, and may not approve. They may see nothing wrong with the current chemicals they purchase and might threaten to withdraw their support from their current supplying industry. The loss of customers, especially a significant amount, is something that no industry would want to risk.  

However, with these toxicities and limitations aside, there is a compromise that can be found between the two. This compromise lies in toxic reduction through the use of various chemicals that benefit your industry, customers, and the environment. 

How We At Ecolink Promote Toxic Reduction 

Here at Ecolink, we have been contributing to the reduction of toxins for nearly two decades with our efforts in lowering VOCs. We do this not only through the featuring of greener chemical solutions but also by promoting solutions that give off lower VOCs while still maintaining their traditional makeup. In addition, we have several informative and concise blog posts designed to educate about proper chemical usage, including the lowering of toxins. 

Several products that we offer to aid in this effort are: 

Acetone 

This chemical is one that we sell often and is regarded as a VOC-exempt compound. This means that it does not possess the same makeup as VOCs and therefore, is less damaging but also not eco-friendly. Industries use this substance for two main purposes, these being for hand-wiping cleansing and hand-wiping rinsing. It can be applied to an abundance of surfaces and possesses many other benefits. 

ELECTRON 

This dielectric solvent is not only efficient but classified as environmentally friendly. From its beneficial composition, it is able to clear away several unwanted elements such as grease and carbon. It also comes with many benefits aside from its nonharmful composition, such as being non-flammable as well as containing no surface leakage.   

Soy Methyl Ester  

This industrial cleaning solvent, also known as Methyl Soyate, also contains an eco-friendly makeup. It aids in the production of many products, such as detergents and lubricants, and slows drying times for paint coatings. Its benefits mainly stem from its design as well as its effectiveness.  

Hexane 

This chemical is often mixed with other solvents in order to enhance performance. It is like acetone, in that it is less harmful compared to the likes of VOCs. It is mainly used for various edible oil extractions and comes with several benefits such as a low boiling point.  

Would You Like To Learn More about Toxic Reduction? 

Then you do not have to look any further than us!  

Here at Ecolink, we are dedicated to informing our industries on all things chemical. Whether it is from the diverse solutions that we sell or from the informative written pieces that we compose, helping you understand these diverse substances is our goal! Our products are plentiful and affordable, whether they are of a greener makeup or not. We aim to give you the best that we have to offer and then some for your industrial needs! 

If you would like to get in contact with us, you can reach out to us here. We are here to help you with whatever you may need for your industrial applications and more. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today! We are just a click away! 

What is the Best way for Companies to Reduce Toxic Chemical Usage?

reduce toxic chemicalsThe answer to this question is not as straightforward as you might think, and that is because the solution is dependent on a host of factors. The factors aiding in the quest for the overall solution are as follows:

As much as companies like Ecolink work toward finding the solution that provides the ultimate safe cleaning solvent, the truth is that there are no perfect substitutes in any attempt to eliminate completely hazardous solvents at home or in the workplace. If the ultimate safe solution actually existed, the professionals at Ecolink would like to think that, everyone, whether at home or in the professional setting, would be using that particular solvent. Every cleaning solvent carries a matrix of risk factors for environmental, health, and / or safety reasons. Inevitably, any chemical choice involves weighing the alternatives, or the pros and cons between each chemical cleaning product.

Ecolink places every product within a “hazard ladder,” to assist in the selection process for a particular cleaning application. While this hierarchy is both technical and subjective, it provides a sound foundation for evaluating alternative chemical cleaners for each specific application. Keep in mind that the circumstances of your specific chemical application pertaining to your cleaning need will override any set of assumptions you might have. The hierarchy listed below is relative to site-specific influences and benefits related to a given chemical. The list is written in such a way that the levels of hazard increase from the top, moving down:

  1. Avoid the need to clean: As ridiculous as this might seem, you and/or your business can identify ways to prevent the part that needs cleaning from becoming dirty in the first place. Once you identify these possibilities, be sure to evaluate and implement if they are deemed advantageous to keeping your parts cleaned.
  2. Modify the part for containment: This can be accomplished through the use of no-clean flux, water based cutting fluids, and non solvent based cleaning technology.
  3. Use high pressure water, or water based cleaners: For certain products, though several parts, items, and materials fall under this category for effective cleaning, you will be surprised how effective high pressure water cleaning can be. Use non halogenated, non flammable solvent technology.
  4. Use terpene, aliphatic hydrocarbon, and dibasic esters: This is not optimal, because it requires the use of flammable solvent technology, but it is still better and safer than many other options.
  5. Use alcohol and / or acetone: Also not optimal, but they are not ozone depleting, and they are considered a low toxicity halogenated solvents.
  6. Use HFE and HFC blends: Not as recommended as number five, but still safer than many other cleaning solvents, both HFE and HFC are non ozone depleting halogenated solvents.
  7. Use N-Propyl Bromide and/or TCE: A last resort based on this list, but similar to number six, it is still a better alternative than several other types of chemical cleaning solutions.

Industrial Degreasers that will Change the way you Think About Waste

chemical wasteIndustrial degreasers and cleaning solutions are made up of an amalgamation of chemical compounds that can rid industrial products of dirt, rust, stains, and any type of particles that could inhibit the industrial components from working as intended. For some industrial businesses, the information stated in the previous sentence is as far as their knowledge extends concerning the industrial degreasers and cleaning solvents. When the process of cleaning industrial products with industrial degreasers is complete, there is always excess degreasing solvent remaining that needs to be disposed. So, what happens to this excess waste? Unfortunately, due to the ignorance of the harmful nature of some industrial degreasers and cleaning agents, the excess degreasing solvent is not properly disposed. In many cases, the excess waste is merely tossed out with other forms of trash, or even poured out somewhere outside. Sounds like the making for an environmental movie, or one you recently watched? Well, unfortunately the previously written statement rings true. However, it should be clear that most companies that engage in this type of waste removal do not realize how truly harmful and impactful it can be to the environment, because they do not understand the chemicals that go into making industrial degreasers. Some industrial degreasing liquids can destroy soil, grass, and trees, make water poisonous to aquatic life, and the gas and vapor emitted from the industrial degreasers weakens our already depleting ozone.

This is why environmentally conscious organizations such as Ecolink are working tirelessly to change the way industrial companies think about waste, as it pertains to industrial degreasers and cleaning solvents. One of the ways companies like Ecolink are battling this waste travesty is by educating industrial businesses on their industrial cleaning practices, which includes the discovering of whether their industrial degreasers have hazardous chemicals, and if so, how to make the transition away from toxic chemicals and towards eco friendly, green alternative cleaning solutions. Eco friendly, green alternative industrial degreasers can be disposed of in a much more simplified manner, without the worry of later ramifications. Ecolink strives to inform all industrial companies of harmful chemical compound cleaning solvents that are still in use, along with solvents where the use for cleaning purposes has been terminated by regulatory committees. If your industrial organization fall under either of those two categories, Ecolink will help your company transition to an eco friendly, green alternative industrial degreaser that will no only clean better than what you currently use, but will also be economically cheaper in the long run.

Ecolink specializes in chemical management. They have a unique team of individuals who will inventory your company’s current chemical supply and evaluate monthly usage and waste disposal costs.  Every company can benefit from evaluating their chemical cleaning needs since Ecolink can find chemical alternatives, or substitutions for your current products. Ecolink is confident that your business will save money either in the cost of chemicals being used or your waste disposal charges.

Please, do not wait for Ecolink to find you. If you have any concerns or reservations about the industrial degreasers your company use, please call Ecolink, and allow their professionals to assist you in the switch to a safer more cost effective alternatives.

Why Does Low VOC Matter?

low vocNowadays, more products are being promoted as offering low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound), non VOC, VOC free, or properties with similar wording. First, we must discuss what “low” or “no” VOC actually means and whether it really matters. Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, are organic compounds that have a high vapor pressure at normal room temperatures. The high vapor pressure of VOCs stems from having a low boiling point, which causes the molecules from the VOCs to evaporate and become released into the air in a gaseous state. Compounds with high vapor pressure and low temperatures could emanate seriously harmful toxic agents that can hurt people and our environment, and the fact that VOC’s evaporate so easily is an even more cause for concern.

People spend most of their time indoors, especially at work, at home or in public buildings. The quality of the air we breathe is already under scrutiny due to the frequent releasing of toxic agents from power plants, energy facilities, and even the vehicles we operate. Our country’s concern stems from evidence proving that our Ozone Layer is weakening, and that empirical information shows that toxicities from VOCs is one of the main culprits. Because the United States has recently increased the nation’s focus on indoor air quality, the topic of VOCs has become quite prevalent. People are spending so much of their time indoors; therefore, indoor air quality matters even more.

As stated previously, VOC is all about the migration of chemical substances into the air we breathe. One does not have to be a chemist to understand that finding methods of reducing VOCs is pivotal to improving air quality. We need to find ways to reduce the use of VOCs, especially in the workplace, so that we can preserve the health and safety of our population, animals, and all of the flourishing life on earth. The first order of business is to educate businesses, especially those involved in industry, that frequently use great quantities of VOC’s, and help them find eco friendly, green alternative methods of chemical usage. Luckily, thEcolink1ere are companies that provide assistance and guidance in informing businesses of their unreasonably high carbon footprint, and how the use of VOCs can be drastically reduced, perhaps even eliminated.

Ecolink is such a company. They are leaders in providing industrial solvents & degreasers with either non toxic cleaners or reduced toxins. Ecolink will help industrial businesses get away from the constant use of VOCs and instead use an eco friendly, green alternative substitute that will function as efficiently and effectively as other more toxic compounds. Please contact Ecolink and find out how your business can reduce its carbon footprint, and help preserve all life on earth. An Ecolink representative will be happy to assist you, and you will soon be on your way to doing your part in protecting life, health, and well being.

Corporate Lean Strategies Should Include Reducing Toxins

The more our country lreducing toxinsearns about toxic chemicals, the more people realize the ubiquitousness of toxins. Toxic chemicals are in the air, in the water and soil, and in our bodies. Some toxic chemicals pose an immediate health threat, while other toxins gradually build up in the environment and in our bodies, causing life threatening disease long after exposure. Toxic chemicals could impair development, negatively affect the ability to reproduce, disrupt our body chemistry, and even cause cancer. Of the thousands of chemicals in use by businesses involved in industry at present, alarmingly small amounts of these chemicals have been tested for their effects on human health. Moreover, the companies and industries using these chemicals know even less about the combined effects. This lack of knowledge makes it hard for those people in the workplace of these companies to protect themselves.

Empirical scientific evidence exists linking environmental exposures of toxins to negative effects on our health. The best way to preclude these problems is a preventive framework that requires reasonable measures to prove that the chemicals in use are safe before being allowed into widespread commerce. One such way would be to enforce corporations involved in industry to develop strategies that include methods of reducing toxins.time for change

First order of business is to have corporations prevent toxic chemicals from being used in the first place. Averting toxic exposures should be top priority. Businesses can do this by reaching out to eco friendly companies like Ecolink that work toward helping businesses find safer methods of chemical use, which include eco friendly, green alternatives. Ecolink assists businesses in reducing the amount of toxic chemicals they emit that spread throughout the environment.

For many industrial companies, the damage has already been done. However, it is not too late to act on minimizing the residual effect of already having toxins in the air. Ecolink can help organizations instill methods of corporate clean up after toxins have already polluted the air, land, or water.

Another way to reduce toxins is eliminating toxic substances in products. Some manufacturing companies do not include cleanup or disposal costs when they make product design decisions. As a result, costs for cleanup and disposal often fall on you, the taxpayer. Therefore, the use of fewer toxic chemicals in products is the surest way to avoid these problems. Unfortunately, many manufacturing companies incorrectly believe that instituting ways to transition to green alternative safety measures is far too expensive, and it is cheaper for them to keep using the same toxic chemicals. Ecolink debunks this method by introducing eco friendly chemical options that are inexpensive, and to which a transition is simple. In fact, business can expect a reduction in cost in the long and short term when switching to green alternative compounds. All you have to do is contact Ecolink to find out how.