Are Citristrip products biodegradable? (5 disposal considerations)

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The article will explain the biodegradability of Citristrip products while also covering topics such as 

  • Sustainable use 
  • Disposal options 
  • Are they toxic?
  • Can they be used indoors?

Are Citristrip products biodegradable?

Yes, it is claimed by the manufacturers that Citristrip products are biodegradable because they feature the use of natural and/or naturally derived materials such as 

  • Dimethyl glutarate 
  • Dimethyl adipate
  • Citrus extract 
  • PEG-15 cocamine 

These are some of the predominant ingredients and materials that the producers and manufacturers of Citristrip rely on. However, when the Safety Data Sheet is examined, it is seen that there is no information or reference to any testing done on the Citristrip products. 

What this means is that although it is claimed that Citristrip is biodegradable, there are no certifications to back the statement up and therefore, it is recommended that there should be certifications to properly guide and divert consumer behaviour. 

Before advancing, let us also revisit the definition of biodegradable so that there is no room left for equivocality of any sort. As per the definitions, biodegradation is the breakdown that is caused by the action of microbes. 

The microbes can only act on materials that are either derived from nature or are present in nature because the microbes need an organic inside to ingest and therefore, degrade. 

How to use Citristrip sustainably?

This section can be well-explained by working on two important aspects that can serve as the edifice of the structure. The aspects are:

  • What is Citristrip used for?
  • How to be sustainable and wise with the use of Citristrip?

What is Citristrip used for?

The major purpose of Citristrip is to remove various materials and products such as

  • Latex-based paints
  • Oil-based paints
  • Varnish
  • Lacquer
  • Polyurethane 
  • Epoxies 

The product is available in two major formats that include gel and spray. The effectiveness is guaranteed in both formats. 

The utility of Citristrip is rather boosted because it is claimed that Citristrip can remove up to five layers of paint in an hour or so. 

How to be sustainable with the use of Citristrip?

To be sustainable with the use of Citristrip, there are certain steps and dos and don’ts that need to be pursued to ensure that there is the apt utilisation of resources and that there is no harm done to life of any form. 

Therefore, it is essential to know about the right and sustainable way to use Citristrip because it will ensure the following environmental goals:

  • Resource conservation
  • Less waste
  • Decreased accidents 
  • Ensured human life (in terms of no hazardous effects) 
  • Protection of other forms of life such as various species of animals 

Therefore, it is essential to consider the following points to make sure that there is sustainability ensured and guaranteed at use and end of life phases of Citristrip uses. 

  • It is advised to wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) while dealing with Citristrip because it is argued that some of the ingredients and constituents used may lead to degradative health situations.
  • As per the safety data sheet, there can be health implications such as burns, irritation, skin damage, skin reactions, and respiratory problems. 
  • There are two variations that Citristrip comes in. One is a gel and the other is a spray. It is advised to use spray for smaller pieces and reserve the use of gel for larger pieces of materials. That way, you will ensure resource conservation. 
  • It may appear antagonistic but it is actually advised to use Citristrip generously because it will ensure proper functionality. The reason is that if the Citristrip is not used correctly, you may need to repeat the entire process and therefore, you will end up in using more than saved the first time. 
  • Be sure to keep the gel or spray wet because if it gets dried, that’s the end of it and you will need to repeat the process which will cause stress to the resources. 

How to dispose of Citristrip? (5 points) 

The disposal of Citristrip is guided by two sources which include 

  • Scrutiny of the materials and ingredients 
  • Guidelines issued in the safety data sheet. 

Based on these two sources, consider the following disposal possibilities and limitations associated with Citristrip.

  • It is not advised to pour Citristrip down the drain because certain chemicals and constituents used in Citristrip may lead to damage to pipes and treatment systems. 
  • It is also not advised to pour Citristrip on soil or in water bodies because there are certain ingredients that may be mildly toxic to various species. 
  • Based on the materials used, Citristrip is termed hazardous and therefore, must be treated as a hazardous waste. This means that it can not be added or infiltrated with regular waste. 
  • Look for hazardous waste collection facilities or regular collection programs or campaigns. 
  • You may be required to check with your local waste collection authority and inquire about the local laws regarding the disposal of hazardous waste such as Citristrip. 

Is Citristrip toxic?

Yes, it is claimed that Citristrip is mildly toxic because of the use of materials such as 

  • Benzenemethanol 
  • Terpinolene 
  • D-limonene 
  • Alcohols 

Therefore, because of the use of these controversial ingredients, it is stated that 

  • Citristrip should not be poured down the drain because certain chemicals and constituents used in Citristrip may lead to damage of pipes and treatment systems. 
  • It is also not advised to pour Citristrip on soil or in water bodies because there are certain ingredients that may be mildly toxic to various species.
  • It is advised to wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) while dealing with Citristrip because it is argued that some of the ingredients and constituents used may lead to degradative health situations.
  • As per the safety data sheet, there can be health implications such as burns, irritation, skin damage, skin reactions, and respiratory problems. 

Is Citristrip safe to be used indoors?

No, it is recommended to not use Citristrip indoors. However, if you must, you need to prefer a ventilated space to make sure that there are no negative effects on human health such as allergies, irritations, and respiratory issues. 

As per the Safety Data Sheet as well, it is best to use Citristrip outdoors and only after the application of PPE to make sure that the controversial and hazardous ingredients may cause any blunt damage to your health and the environment. 

Conclusion 

It is concluded that it is claimed by the manufacturers that Citristrip products are biodegradable because they feature the use of natural and/or naturally derived materials. However, when the Safety Data Sheet is examined, it is seen that there is no information or reference to any testing done on the Citristrip products. 

What this means is that although it is claimed that Citristrip is biodegradable, there are no certifications to back the statement up and therefore, it is recommended that there should be certifications to properly guide and divert consumer behaviour. 

The article also discussed sustainable ways to use it and discard it to make sure that there is minimum damage rendered to the environment and people’s health. 

References

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