Alpha Descaler and Alpha Descaler FG are non-corrosive to eyes and skin. This is a very important safety characteristic, especially compared to the alternatives used for descaling:
Hydrochloric acid or HCl based chemicals are the most common formulations used in desaling. Despite claims to the contrary HCl (claims tend to claim safety when used as directed which can mean a lot of things!) any HCl based descaler must be used with great care, even if the product is inhibited. HCl is commonly used because of its low cost and high level if scale removal in descaling operations. However, hydrochloric acid is corrosive, and it can cause eye damage, even blindness, if splashed in the eyes, even if inhibited. Skin contact can cause severe burn. Inhibited material can be easier to handle but sever skin irritation will still occur even with inhibited product, especially on sensitive skin. Ingestion of concentrated hydrochloric acid can cause severe injury to the mouth, throat, esophagus and stomach. Diluted or inhibited HCl, if ingested needs to be treated immediately.
Sulphamic acid is another chemical used in formulations for descaling. It is not as strong or as low in cost as hydrochloric acid so not as commonly used. However, it is practically non-toxic in contact with skin (LD50 skin > 2000 mg/kg). but if splashed in the eyes is causes serious eye irritation. Ingestion may cause irritation or burns of the digestive tract with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Phosphoric acid can be very dangerous in the case of skin contact, eye contact, and ingestion. This chemical can cause damage to the skin, eyes, mouth, and respiratory tract. Concentrated phosphoric acid is highly corrosive and can cause serious injury if ingested, including severe burns in the mouth and throat. Inhibited phosphoric acid ingestion may include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea. Permanent damage can result. Long-Term (Chronic) Exposure at even low concentrations can cause dry, red, cracked skin (dermatitis) following skin contact.
When citric acid I used for descaling, the formulations are generally quite expensive and slow to react. While much safer to use that hydrochloric, sulphamic or phosphoric acids it is still an irritant to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. A splash to the eye will burn the epithelium and cause burning pain. It can be absorbed into the body by inhalation or ingestion.
Alpha Descaler and Alpha Descaler FG are safe yet functional replacement for traditional hydrochloric acid descaling and other commonly used acids while performing with high efficiency and speed in descaling. It is non-regulated by US DOT and other jurisdictions and carries a triple zero hazardous materials information system score. It biodegrades in10 days or less. It is considered a non-corrosive product to skin and eyes.
