How do you store your lime sulphur?!

[RJG2]

Soooo, funny story...

My wife and I have been smelling something in the basement for a couple days, thinking it was sewer gas (recently had a different sewer-line related issue) - but couldn't pinpoint it.

Got a plumber over here, can't figure it out (luckily he was nice and didn't charge me).

Almost to the point of calling 911, evacuating and getting the gas company over (we have a natural gas line) - but with the appliances off, the meter didn't move for the 4 hours I watched it.

Finally I think to check my bottle of lime sulphur (the same as below). It had totally eaten through the bottom and was leaking out - there's the source of the smell!

It was stored in a dark/cool basement closet - luckily in another larger, open tupperware, so it didn't get all over the floor or shelves or anything.

So I ask you: how do you store your lime sulphur?!

 

[RJG2]

Maybe a glass bottle? I'll have to research...

 

[KateM]

Maybe I should put mine in a glass jar?

 

[KateM]

I have this one for a couple years as it came in a dark plastic bottle and it's fine.

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

I have my bottls outside in a glass vase. It doesn't seem to freeze close to the house, so that's where I keep it.
Polypropylene (PP, sometimes PP5) is the most hardy plastic to store most water-based chemicals in. PP5 can resist cold (-90°C) and moderate heat (122°C), probably a bit wider range but I've verified these two temps hundreds of times.

Glass is better, borosilicate glass is even better than that in most cases, but avoid metal caps. Glass however is rarely shatter resistant and I would strongly recommend plastics to prevent splashing.

Limesulphur indeed seems to eat away plastics over time, some types of plastic faster than others.
It would never hurt to put a drip tray under a bottle.

 

[WNC Bonsai]

To make your lime sulfur last longer get as much air out as you can. This can be done by squeezing a plastic bottle before capping it or dropping in a bunch of glass marbles until the lome sulfur is near the top. I also have a can of compressed gas that will displace the air and prevent oxidation.

 

[SFDrake]

Any suggestions on where to purchase lime sulfur?

 

[WNC Bonsai]

Any suggestions on where to purchase lime sulfur?

Chewy, along with other pet products.

 

[RJG2]

Any suggestions on where to purchase lime sulfur?

Chewy, along with other pet products.

Amazon has it, but it is more expensive. ($35ish vs. $25ish)

 

[Shibui]

Finally I think to check my bottle of lime sulphur (the same as below). It had totally eaten through the bottom and was leaking out - there's the source of the smell!

Interesting to hear that lime sulphur can dissolve some plastics. I know it dissolves bristles on the brushes I use to apply it because I need a new one every time, despite washing them well after use. Have not noticed it dissolving any plastics though.
One wonders at the manufacturer using susceptible plastics to store chemicals?
I've had lime sulphur in the original plastic bottles for 15 years or more with no sign of it compromising the containers. I buy horticultural lime sulphur so there may be some difference in packaging? I will now make a point of checking the container though.

 

[Baron von Smoogle]

In the original container.

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

You did a really good thing when you stored the plastic bottle in another container, which contained the spill. Well done!

As a long time Chemical Hygiene Officer, Lime sulfur is a hazardous chemical that is obviously very corrosive and should be sold and stored in a proper container with secondary containment. We get lime sulfur in a Nalgene type bottle. Obviously this manufacturer used a defective storage container. My recommendation is to contact the manufacturer and tell their rep what happened.

Here’s a recent SDS for Lime Sulfur. PPE include: Splash googles, Gloves, Apron (other equal equivalents) and Vapor Respirator.

These are the same equipment we normally use. We also use quality art paint brushes and wash these off later. These do not dissolve.

Future steps if your haven’t disposed of the lime sulfur. Obtain a thick dark glass container, borosilicate is best as described by @Wires_Guy_wires above. Don PPE and decant lime sulfur in it. Place the container in a thick ziplock freezer bag. Then place in a secondary container. Store in a cool, safe, ventilated place out of the sun and out of the reach of children and pets. Thoroughly flush the former container and dispose.

The above storage recommendation tells exactly how lime sulfur is stored in our home.

Cheers
DSD sends

 

[rockm]

My supply has been in its original glass bottle for 15 years.

 

[RJG2]

Thank you @Wires_Guy_wires and @Deep Sea Diver. Very helpful.

I checked my email receipts, and looks like I ordered that bottle in June of 2020 - so 4.5 years ago.

Probably didn't clean it up the safest way possible, but I just wanted it and the fumes gone. Soaked up the spillage in paper towels, and bagged them and the leaky bottle in two layers of zip locks. I did wear gloves and the best respirator I have, and opened up all the basement windows and a bunch in the rest of the house. Was a bit brisk for the day while I aired everything out in (~20f outside).

Funny enough, the reason I thought it was our sewer is because I'd always smell it near the pit where our sewer line exists the house - turns out we get some suction/negative pressure there from a radon remediation fan system (when I have the pit uncovered at least) - so that was probably helpful while we struggled to figure out what it was...

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

You are most welcome!

The source of hydrogen sulfide fumes can be confusing when one has multiple potential sources around. Better to be safe than sorry in the long run.

Sounds like a respectable clean up, considering your level of expertise. Containing the spill from spreading is the first step and you got that right.

Recall chemical exposures can be cumulative. Lung damage is easy to get. Inhalation, eye and dermal (skin) hazards are widespread.

Disposal can be tricky. Generally having good PPE onboard for the hazard is the best policy. Here are items that ought to meet most bonsai practitioners needs… (note not potters this is another level.

Just for those interested, here are a few ideas to help protect you. and extend your life likely! )

Respirator: Here is a good basic respirator shell we use for basic bonsai tasks. Cheap, cleanable, easy to use. We change these out every 2-3 years depending on use.

https://a.co/d/1kMnktD. (Size appropriately)

Filter cartridge: A basic filter used for both particle and organic vapor. Should be changed approximately. Depending on the size of the collection and frequency of use, would consider replacing these 3 months to 2 year. Much sooner for blanket applications.. (Keep away from dust and vapors in storage. Ziplock bags once dry are good.). There are multiple type filters. We use a different one for oil based paint and mineral spirits etc

Basic

https://a.co/d/4qoLgK1

Pesticide filter for frequent application. Replace often.

https://a.co/d/a7C3wZR

Gloves - deep subject here as there are many types that arel hazards, nitrile, butyl, PVA, Viton, Silvershield. Generally nitrile
will do in basic bonsai work.

Basic double layer 8 mil nitrile catch gloves. (One can double glove)

https://a.co/d/5G0j9mw

Safer for frequent general uses 15 mil - long (size properly)
SHOWA 732 Nitrile Chemical Resistant Safety Glove with Raised Diamond Palm and Cotton Lining, 15 mil Thick, 13" Length, Green, Medium (12 Pair)

Look like a super hero? Suits- - For pesticides and other hazardous materials outside esp.in wind these suits are inexpensive and durable.

https://a.co/d/9KZw86W

Be safe
DSD sends

 

[RJG2]

Filter cartridge: A basic filter used for both particle and organic vapor. Should be changed approximately. Depending on the size of the collection and frequency of use, would consider replacing these 3 months to 2 year. Much sooner for blanket applications.. (Keep away from dust and vapors in storage. Ziplock bags once dry are good.). There are multiple type filters. We use a different one for oil based paint and mineral spirits etc

Basic
https://a.co/d/4qoLgK1
Pesticide filter for frequent application. Replace often.

https://a.co/d/a7C3wZR

Looks like I used the basic ones, but I think the cartridges are about a year old, and not stored properly - I'll get some new ones in the cart.