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Martin Currie _ Aqueum gravatar image
RedR

After no response from P&G corporate I tweeted Allison Tummon-Kamphuis (@PG_CSDW https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=8652127) of P&G's Children's Safe Drinking Water programme about this.

Allison initially responded: @martin_currie PUR sachets aren't dangerous/hazardous good so most frequent disposal method in LMIC countries is to incinerate or landfill

On further questioning Allison sent the attached MSDF (C:\fakepath\PG Purifier of Water MSDS.pdf - PUR is the former name for the 4gm P&G Purifier of Water sachets) and responded to my main concerns as follows:

M: Isn’t calcium hypochlorite a class3 oxidant (EPA D001 Hazardous) & wouldn't burning ferrous sulphate release toxic sulphur dioxide?

A: In bulk concentrations, some of the chemical ingredients in the sachets fall under various hazardous classifications (see MSDS Section II) but for the ingredient amounts that are in a 4 gm sachet of P&G/PUR – the mixture is not hazardous (Section III). The amount of calcium hypochlorite is very small – less than 1% of the contents of each sachet so it is not classified as a hazard in this formulation. For burning, there are no fire protection precautions specified (section V) but I am following up with our technical contacts for an answer to your specific question.

M: I'd also expect that one would want to avoid the possibility of the chlorine reaching a watercourse & aquatic life.

A: Section XII addresses this question and the product with the low level of chlorine (or the other ingredients) would not have a negative impact like direct disposal of bulk chlorine would. “Relevant ecotoxicity and fate data for ingredients in this formulation have been reviewed. Under normal and foreseeable consumer uses, there are no concerns for aquatic organisms exposed to product ingredients at the anticipated environmental concentrations. The product is compatible with down-the-drain disposal routes, including municipal wastewater treatment processes and septic tank systems. This product is intended for dispersive use and should not be disposed of directly into the environment.”

M: So it would seem that throwing a sachet away won’t cause an issue, but what about a pallet of sachets?

A: It does not occur often but we have had NGO partners dispose of quantities larger than a pallet before without any issues including in South Sudan.

M: I don’t suppose you have any details of the past South Sudan case? A: The previous product in South Sudan was at least 2+ years ago and it was PSI in Juba that had it to dispose of. The past program manager has moved on to another country but you/the NGO could contact PSI in Juba to ask if anyone there has a reco on how/where to dispose.

Allison also gave contact details of the PSI South Sudan's project coordinator, which I can pass on if required.

I hope this helps

Martin