James:
I have a possible solution regarding R.W.L.’s letter specifically the question of storage of dry calcium hypochlorite. After reading the Forever Preps article I bought a container that is similar to the old-style canning jars with the rubber gasket and snap down lid with the wire bail/lever. I’ve seen them sold as canister sets for holding flour, sugar, cookies, etc. It is made of clear glass. My goal was to find a container with no metal or plastic parts on the inside of the vessel thus no chance of reacting with the chlorine. I periodically look around the jar for signs of bleaching and chlorine smells and in two years haven’t seen anything to indicate a leak. The rubber/plastic seal may be susceptible to deterioration by the Cl2 gas. I included the label of the Ca(ClO)2 package inside the jar with the powder for reference and labeled the outside with the contents and a warning to only open outside, in case someone other than me later handles the task. – S. in Oklahoma
JWR Replies: Another non-reactive storage option is using a plastic bucket with a tight-fitting plastic lid. Keep in mind that if there is a not a very tight seal, then the resultant vapors can:
1.) Taint foods and
2.) Induce corrosion on nearby metals.
If you have any doubts about the integrity of the seals on the containers that you are using, then be sure to store the containers somewhere where that will not be in proximity to stored foods or metals. And, as you mentioned, proper “WARNING” labels are a must!