I heard that there is some kind of contamination with Morton Salt Pellets. The contamination is said to be YPS or (Yellow Prussiate of Soda). I know that this is added to some salt as an anticaking agent. Has anyone else heard about this? Would this pose a safety problem for our water or would the RO remove this? I have not been able to find any information on this.

I don't see it happening. The brine from the salt is to recharge the softner and then is rinsed right away with fresh water. Also the water should still have enough chlorine to kill most things before it gets to the carbon and then if there is anything left, it has to make it past the membrane.

I'm no expert but I do know that this chemical is also known as sodium ferrocyanide. It has a high molecular weight, around 458 g/mole and has a chemical formula of Na4Fe(CN)6. The substance has a higher density than water but is readily soluble in water. I'm not sure, but I believe that even if the RO can't filter it, the ultrafilters should catch it as it's a fairly large molecule.
If you look up the MSDS for this substance you'll find that it is quite toxic. It can for cyanide gas in the presence of acids. I would think that if a contamination issue occurred with their water softening products that the company would issue a recall. As of yet, I have heard nothing about it, nor is there any notice on Morton's web site.

Our local network sent out an alert on this. They said the lot# with the contamination is MAY19AHD. The contact person with morton is Eric Shirk 312-807-2567

thanks for the info breakpar now. Hopefully this isn't a widespread problem and I thankfully don't have any of the affected stock. I'll keep my eyes out, though.

Just out of curiosity, is your screen name a golf reference? I wish I could break par!

Our network also suggested that we check lot#'s before using salt and them perform visual inspection, if salt has blue flecks it's contaminated and should be discarded. I created a log to document each bag's lot# and a visual inspection has been performed. Since this is out surveyors may be wondering how we are guarding against it.

cttechie - you are correct. I can't break par either. I know this is wishful thinking but I figured if I say the words often enough it might happen.

Link to article on contaminated Morton salt

http://www.esrdnetwork.org/assets/pdf/special%20alerts/...altalert07-03-08.pdf

The contaminant should be flushed out with the waste brine. It should not be retained on the softener resin. If your softener adequately flushes out the brine solution, you should never see the chemical at your RO.

Here's the letter from Morton Salt in response to the Network's Alert regarding possible excessive YPS.

MORTON SALT
A Rohm and Haas Company

123 North Wacker Drive • Chicago, IL 60606-1743 • 312/807-2000

To: Interested Parties

From: Eric Shirk – Director of Quality, Morton International

Date: July 7, 2008

Re: Clarification - Water System Alert – The End Stage Renal Disease Network of Texas – Morton Salt Pellets

This memo is issued to clarify an alert that was issued by The End Stage Renal Disease Network of Texas on July 3, 2008 regarding a perceived issue with Morton Salt Pellets used for water conditioning. Morton has clarified the nature of the issue where a small amount of pellets from one lot was discovered to have some pellets containing a Food Grade additive, Yellow Prussiate of Soda (YPS).

The Food Grade additive, YPS, is permitted in an amount up to 13 ppm for salt that is ingested. Levels found in this case were less than 2.5 ppm, far below the standard for salt to be ingested. However, the salt is not ingested when used to regenerate the water softener resin. In fact, both salt and any components included in water softening salt are flushed from the softener unit during the regeneration cycle.

There is no potential health hazard associated with the presence of YPS in water softener salt. The Morton pellet product is not being recalled and is safe for use. However, if you have concerns about this product, Morton will replace it if you are not satisfied.

Eric Shirk
Director of Quality
Morton International

Thank to Jeff Grism for forwarding to me.