AlgaeFix Marine when used properly in a reef tank should have very little risk. The active ingredient in AlgaeFix Marine is also used as a biocide at much greater concentrations in applications such as boilers and is used in some foods to help prevent bacterial growth. The major concern is in situations where it is used at much higher concentrations and in food materials. The risks in these situations are of concern. In a reef tank the concentration of the active ingedient is very low. When using the concentrate in the bottle which has much higher concentrations of the active ingredient, one should follow the label and use gloves and eye protection, but once dissolved in the tank water there really should be no problems.
Keep in mind all substances we use have some toxicity. Many of the foods we eat, particularly vegetibles contain carcenogens as well. You would be surprised how many carcinogens you eat daily. Have you read the label on the gas tank when you pump your gas. Gasoline is very toxic and a known carcinogen, yet people use it daily without concerns, primarily due to lack of alternatives. I'm not trying to reduce concerns regarding the chemicals we use. They all should be respected and used acording to the labels. I'm just trying to provide a perspective here. The medicines we take, all have side effects of some sort, especially if the are properly regulated by the FDA. Those botanicals that people take which are not approved by FDA contain some very toxic substances in many cases & people feel since they are natural there is no problem. Many have unknown ingredients in them.
This article may be of interest regarding the biocides including AlgaeFix:
EPIDEMIOLOGY / TOXICOLOGY
PLENARY SESSION
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour..._NjRAw&usg=AFQjCNHCukBKdGgrA7EoIlfm4xSEDdwpaA
From it:
"DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS
Industrial biocides are toxic by design. Unlike
other, equally toxic industrial chemicals (strong
acids, caustic, solvents, etc.) their primary value
depends on their ability to kill microbes without
adversely affecting other coolant per-formance
properties. The benefits derived from biocide use
must be balanced against the economic and health
impacts.
Although there is general consensus regarding
the link between microbial contamination and
product rancidity(5) the same is not true regarding
the role of metalworking fluid microbes and
employee health.(6) However, a growing body of
data suggest that uncontrolled microbial growth
may, in fact, present a significant health risk.(7,8)
Considering then the economic and potential
health risks associated with uncontrolled microbial
contamination, one can make a strong argument
that the benefits, associated with biocide use, outweigh
the risks. The caveat here is using
appropriate products in appropriate applications.
Toxicological dose responses typically are not
linear. That is, if a chemical’s LD50 = 1,000
mg/kg, it does not necessarily follow that 250
mg/kg will kill 25-percent of the test population.
This concept is important to understand. Many
industrial biocide active ingredients are also used
routinely as preservatives in personal care
products, food packaging materials and other
“intimate contact” applications. In these products
the potential for biocide ingestion and absorption
is much greater than it is through incidental contact
with metalworking fluids. Consequently, the risk
lies in misuse rather than incidental exposure due
to biocide use in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions.
The toxicological data provide one basis for
matching products with intended applications; and
should be considered in context with solubility,
volatility, half-life, efficacy and treatment cost
data. Skin sensitizing products may be used riskfree,
if they are built into metalworking fluid
concentrates, eliminating the possibility of direct
contact at the plant. Volatile products are best
suited for use in low-mist, low heat applications.
Broad category monikers, such as HCHOcondensate
biocide are virtually meaningless.
Manufacturing personnel responsible for coolant
formulation or coolant system maintenance should
be wary of claims that either promote or condemn
biocide groups, based on toxicological properties.
As with all industrial products the risk associated
with biocides lies mostly in product abuse, not use."
