Minnesotans have heard it: they are to not put certain things down their drain. The latest ban is on triclosan, an ingredient used in antibacterial soaps, hand sanitizers, toothpaste, and deodorants. Minnesota is the first state to implement this ban, which will in time make tricolsan containing products not available in Minnesota.
It is believed that this antimicrobial chemical disrupts hormone levels and thyroid function in people. When it is mixed with wastewater, it can cause sex changes in aquatic life. Experts believe that tricolosan overuse is causing the growth of bacteria that doesn’t respond to antibacterial treatment.
It was recently ruled by the FDA that antibacterial soap manufactures would have to provide proof that their soaps are safe, but also more effective than plain old soap and water or they will have to completely take their products off the shelves in a few years.
Drain opening chemicals also pose an issue because they can cause respiratory damage or burn skin. It is best to not leave these chemicals or any harsh chemicals lying around. If you need to dispose of them, they should be disposed of properly rather than poured down the drain where they can cause their own set of problems.
If a drain opener is poured down the drain, it can cause respiratory problems. There are fumes that can be released into the air and this can cause issues with asthma or flare up allergies. If strong enough, the fumes can actually burn the airways.
This is why it is very important to have drains unclogged by professional plumbers in Minneapolis. Unfortunately, there are cases throughout the Twin Cities where individuals have used chemicals to unclog their drains and they have had to go to the emergency room for asthma attacks or other respiratory-related issues. The chemicals can also burn the skin. Through the help of a professional; there is no need for harsh chemicals that can put the people in the vicinity in danger.
The moment a person notices a clog, it is important to not try and address it unless they are trained in plumbing. The reason is because a person can easily cause damage to their drain, resulting in the need for a plumber anyway. This can also make the repairs even more expensive than they would have been to begin with.
As for the environmental factor, keeping chemicals from going down the drain also protects the environment. Any time chemicals go into wastewater, those chemicals have to be filtered out through the wastewater treatment facilities. However, it is becoming known that there are some chemicals, such as triclosan, that are not filtering out and that means they are making their way back into the waterways. For the safety of wastewater and for individual safety, it is best to check the disposal instructions of chemicals, to not pour drain openers down the rain, and to simply use caution with any chemical that you may need to use.
