Ever since my sister got her tank ( And put me to work getting it through a fish in cycle) we have had a lot of time to get acquainted with the liquid test kit. She happened to be there when I was testing the water for ammonia, and she noticed the hazard sign on the bottle: corrosive. After explaining what corrosive means to her, she is absolutely terrified to go near me when I'm testing the water. I told her to just be careful and she'll be fine, but she is absolutely terrified. Has anyone ever experienced something awful with the test kits before? She doesn't want me anywhere near it now. What can I do to set her mind at ease?
Api Water Test Horror Stories?
- Thread starter Khanna
- Start date
You could look for a Safety Data Sheet on the test kit which you may find via Google or the API website, or contact them for further info. Often these things are labelled to the extreme as people can be idiots at times, such as someone drying their dog in a microwave because it did not say not to, and then wondering why it died! Therefore, companies will be over cautious generally speaking to protect themselves.
You could also wear disposable gloves when using the test kit then that way there is no risk anyway. Do you mind me asking how old your sister is and what is her real fear in this instance? Can you explain "After explaining what corrosive means to her" what was said? I often find it easier to assist in eliminating a fear when I know what the thought process is behind the fear.
I am not a scientist, nor do I claim to be so do not know the ingredients and potential risks, but others maybe able to help further.
Good Luck.
You could also wear disposable gloves when using the test kit then that way there is no risk anyway. Do you mind me asking how old your sister is and what is her real fear in this instance? Can you explain "After explaining what corrosive means to her" what was said? I often find it easier to assist in eliminating a fear when I know what the thought process is behind the fear.
I am not a scientist, nor do I claim to be so do not know the ingredients and potential risks, but others maybe able to help further.
Good Luck.
NeonBlueLeon
Fishaholic
Bottle #2 is the one market as corrosive. It contains sodium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite.
-Sodium Hydroxide is a strong base, but the actual "strength" of it in your test kit won't cause too much damage. If you drop some on you, you'll feel your skin get slippery and maybe itchy. That is the sodium hydroxide breaking down your skin. Hand soap works in a similar way, just not as dangerously.
-Sodium Hypochlorite is just household bleach. If you've ever caught a whiff of Bottle #2, you can tell it smells just like bleach.
If you ever get any on you, rinse thoroughly with running water. Really though, it can't do much damage to you unless you pour out all of Bottle #2 into a bowl and soak your skin in it. Please don't do that.
-Sodium Hydroxide is a strong base, but the actual "strength" of it in your test kit won't cause too much damage. If you drop some on you, you'll feel your skin get slippery and maybe itchy. That is the sodium hydroxide breaking down your skin. Hand soap works in a similar way, just not as dangerously.
-Sodium Hypochlorite is just household bleach. If you've ever caught a whiff of Bottle #2, you can tell it smells just like bleach.
If you ever get any on you, rinse thoroughly with running water. Really though, it can't do much damage to you unless you pour out all of Bottle #2 into a bowl and soak your skin in it. Please don't do that.
in these days with health and safety so strong a big name like api would not be allowed to sell a dangerous product.
the warnings are there to cover them selfs from idiots claiming compensation where every possible.
the warnings are there to cover them selfs from idiots claiming compensation where every possible.
Meeresstille
Fish Addict
Corrosive labels just tell you to be cautious, no need to be afraid of it! Handle with care, if some gets accidentally spilled wash well, gently, but thorough!
And don't put open bottles or the full test tubes in a spot where they can get spilled into the tank!
And don't put open bottles or the full test tubes in a spot where they can get spilled into the tank!
RCA
he is eight, and I told her a corrosive breaks down a substance it comes in contact with. I tried to explain it probably wouldn't do much other than irritate her skin and she only needed to wash her hands, but she's convinced if she touches it, she'll lose a hand. Though I'll tell her the bottles are marked to the extreme, thank you for the info
Neon: Thanks for all the info! I'll be sure to show her your post.
M00ms: That's understandable, I'll tell her API wouldn't sell a dangerous product. Thanks
Meere: That's what I was trying to say! Except not as educated sounding. Thank you!
he is eight, and I told her a corrosive breaks down a substance it comes in contact with. I tried to explain it probably wouldn't do much other than irritate her skin and she only needed to wash her hands, but she's convinced if she touches it, she'll lose a hand. Though I'll tell her the bottles are marked to the extreme, thank you for the info Neon: Thanks for all the info! I'll be sure to show her your post.
M00ms: That's understandable, I'll tell her API wouldn't sell a dangerous product. Thanks
Meere: That's what I was trying to say! Except not as educated sounding. Thank you!
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