Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2005/04/22

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Subject: Was [Leica] End of an Era - Now photographic chemicals
From: klaus.elmquist at get2net.dk (Klaus Elmquist Nielsen)
Date: Fri Apr 22 12:34:26 2005

Some developers contains hydroquinone which is described as dangerous.
Quoting from a MACO safety datasheet:

        The mixture contain hydroquinone. This substance is classified as:
        dangers for man and environment: carcinogen, category 3 and mutagen,
        category 3. The classification is in line with current EC lists.

Kodak Technidol contains diethylene glycol. Quoting from safety information:

        Inhalation:
            Material may be irritating to mucous membranes and
            upper respiratory tract. May be harmful if inhaled.
        Risk Statements:
            Harmful if swallowed.
        Skin Absorption:
            May be harmful if absorbed through the skin.
        TARGET ORGAN(S) OR SYSTEM(S):
            Kidneys. Liver. Central nervous system.
        SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE:
            Prolonged exposure can cause: Nausea, headache, and vomiting.
            Weakness. Confusion. Dizziness.  Damage to the kidneys.
            Unconsciousness. Convulsions. Pulmonary edema.
            Effects may be delayed.

So while photographic chemicals are a lot of harmless ingrediens (including
water, though W.C. Fields may have disagreed), some of them are harmful
and should be handled with care. That includes disposal of used chemicals.

Cheeers,
Klaus

> Date: Thu, 21 Apr 2005 22:17:09 EDT
> From: TTAbrahams@aol.com
> Subject: Was [Leica] End of an Era - Now photographic chemicals
> Message-ID: <9d.5e55f85c.2f99b8a5@aol.com>
>
> Most of the photographic chemicals in use today are rather benign. The
> developers are diluted heavily and pose no environmental threat. Developers
> like Xtol and PCK are Ascorbic Acid-based and probably improve the waste!
> D76 and the derivatives of that formula contain chemicals that are used in
> food processing (Sodium Carbonate) and  pool cleaning solutions (Sodium
> Sulphite) and are not dangerous for septic systems and treatment plants.
[...]