[Jewelry making - Article 00062] - Re: [Orchid] Disposing of Ferric Chloride - safety is key!

[Katherine Palochak]

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    OK, I'm a little behind on my Orchid. I'll put in my .02 worth. 

    Ferric chloride can be reused many times, adjusting the strength up
    or down with either anhydrous (dry) crystals or distilled water.
    However, for the saved mordant you intend to use again, you do want
    to decant (pour) the liquid from the container, leaving behind the
    smut (sludge) in the container so it doesn't interfere with
    subsequent etching. 

    As many people have pointed out, it will etch stainless sinks and
    copper pipes, as well as aluminum, steel of any kind, copper, zinc,
    chrome, and a few other metals I've forgotten. It will not etch
    silver or gold, which is useful if you happen to be working with
    bi-metal laminates. 

    To dispose of that sludge, it's best to contact your local sanitary
    landfill, as different states have different procedures, and
    sometimes one county to the next will have a different procedure. 

    In my area, after neutralizing the sludge with an alkaline solution,
    the sludge is mixed with a little cement, sand and water, to make a
    mortar encasing the sludge, along with its bound etched metal, and
    then it is buried in the soil. I was told, because of it being mixed
    in this manner, it will break down very slowly into the various
    components of iron, chlorine, and the etched metal. It wasn't the
    ferric (iron) or chlorine (chloride) that is the problem, as it is
    the etched metals that can cause toxicity in the soil or water if
    dumped freely. I still suggest you call your local landfill for
    proper disposal in your area. 

    Believe it or not, ferric chloride was used many years ago to treat
    pernicious anemia. The palms were painted with the solution, because
    the size of the palm was relative to the patient's size and correct
    dosage. I don't know what the strength of the ferric chloride was. It
    is readily absorbed into the skin, which is why certain people should
    not use ferrics at all. Those with thasselemia, compromised immune
    systems (like cancer patients, etc.), liver problems, or pregnant
    women, should not be around ferrics. 

I hope this helps.
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