Is DampRid biodegradable? (5 alternatives) 

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The article will explain the biodegradability of DampRid while also shedding light on topics such as:

  • Is it natural?
  • Ways to store safely?
  • Ways to use safely?
  • Is the packaging green?
  • Should it be used?
  • Green alternatives?

Is DampRid biodegradable?

DampRid is not biodegradable because of the missing organic matter that act as a food source for the microbes that break it down. 

In the case of DampRid, the organic inside is missing because DampRid is made from inorganic salts. Therefore, although DampRid is made from natural materials which are degradable, DampRid is not biodegradable. 

This is exactly what is posited in the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet of DampRid). However, the plight is that the website of DampRid claims otherwise. It is assumed that it is the subtle discrepancy between the two mentioned terms that is being exploited here.

The question is very much analogous to whether DampRid is made from natural materials or non-natural materials. As per the details, the active ingredients present in DampRid include the following:

  • Calcium Chloride
  • Sodium chloride 
  • Potassium chloride

As it can be guessed, all these are salts that occur naturally in nature and are not made or synthesised in labs. Therefore, it will not be wrong to assume that DampRid is made from natural but inorganic materials that should be better off than synthetic materials such as plastics or other synthetic polymers. 

Is DampRid safe for the environment?

This question is rather home to some controversy because there are contradicting remarks and reviews when it comes to the safety of DampRid. As per the official website, DampRid is quite safe to use. 

The main reason or foundation the manufacturers claim the safety of DampRid is the fact that DampRid is made from natural materials and it is a common bias that natural materials are usually safe for the environment and health too. 

However, proper deliberations on the matter beg to differ. As per the details and scrutiny mentioned in the Material Safety Data Sheet, it is claimed that DampRid is anything but safe because there are various health concerns and risks associated with the use of DampRid. The major reason behind it is the fact that DampRid makes use of certain salts that can be highly reactive. 

Therefore, it is claimed that the following medical conditions may arise with the unwise use of DampRid that may result in

  • Infections
  • Burns
  • Skin irritation
  • Eye irritation
  • Medical issues in case of digestion or unsupervised handling 

Therefore, it can be assumed that there are tons of risks and health impacts associated with the use of DampRid and certain precautions must be followed. 

How to use DampRid safely?

As it has been claimed that there are a number of health-related maladies and risks associated with the use of DampRid, it is essential to know the ways in which such complications may be avoided. 

The first thing to keep in mind is that DampRid must not be handled by children because the risk of accidents surges. 

DampRid must be kept in a cool and dry place. DampRid must be saved from moisture as the inner contents may react with the moisture and cause burns or skin irritations. 

It is also claimed that the moisture present on the skin is also sufficient to cause a reaction. Therefore, direct contact must be avoided and if it is incumbent then PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) must be worn. 

The use of DampRid must be avoided in extremely damp and humid places because it may lead to certain reactions that can end in medical complications jotted above. 

How green is the packaging of DampRid?

Regarding the packaging of DampRid, two common materials used are plastics and metals. Both are made from non-natural materials and both are non-biodegradable. 

Therefore, it can be rightly asserted that the packaging of DampRid is not green or eco-friendly because of the factors such as:

  • The packaging is made from non-natural materials
  • The packaging is not compostable 
  • The packaging contributes to waste problems 
  • The packaging contributes to environmental anomalies 

What are some eco-Friendly Alternatives (5 alternatives) 

The alternatives include:

  • Dehumidifier
  • Rock salt 
  • Baking soda
  • Charcoal 
  • Silica gel 

Dehumidifier 

Let us start with the electrical dehumidifier. It may not be the best option available but it has some advantages over DampRid as it can be used for a long time (without needing to be discarded and bought anew) along with no certain health implications as they were in the case of DampRid. 

Rock salt 

Next, we have rock salt. Rock salt can also be used as a natural dehumidifier. It is present as a staple in most households. All you need to do is to put rock salts in 2-3 jars and make holes. The jar can be put in any place and used as a humidifier. 

Baking soda 

Baking soda is also another very cheap and utility-befitting alternative to DampRid. However, the limitation that comes along is that only a small portion may be targeted with the use of baking soda. Simply place baking soda in a container and place it in any area you need to dehumidify. 

Charcoal 

Charcoal can also be used. It has multiple uses and cleaning air is also one of the beneficial uses. All you need to do is to have a clean can with some holes in the sides and lid and use it as a natural, DIY humidifier. 

Silica gel 

The small packages of silica gel that you get with certain packaging materials can also be put to this use. The plus point here is that you do not need to expend any extra bucks. Simply put the silica gel bags in a jar with holes and place it in your desired place. 

Conclusion 

It is concluded that DampRid is made from natural but inorganic salts that make the product natural, degradable but not biodegradable (as per the deliberations of MSDS). There were a number of health concerns associated with the inapt use of DampRid that led us to explore alternatives such as baking soda, rock salt, dehumidifier, silica gel, and charcoal. 

The article also discussed and commented on the ways to safely use and store DampRid while also shedding light on the eco-friendliness of its packaging. 

References

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