I am trying to find out the exact chemical composition and concentration of the 3 powdered bags which are shipped in each Granuflo box. I am concerned about the potential for and airborne hazard to health. I have had the misfortune to breath in some air in the immediate vicinity of the Granuflo tank as a new batch is being made. It is a very strong irritant, and I would like to know the exact strength of the dry powder in each of the bags. Fresenius provides an MSDS for the end acid concentrate, but otherwise provides scant information of the powder in the bags.

The contents are on the label but as you say in no proportion of volume. I am no chemist, but from what I am led to believe, is the acid is a citric based acidic compound the 2 bags and the third is the dextrose for sugar replacement that is removed during the treatment. All of these subtances can be derived from natural sources. (Citrus Fruits) So as they say all natural it must be good for you. But so are tornadoes and lightning strikes! Merry Christmas! Ho Ho Ho

We always wear paper masks like the manufacturer recommends to keep the airborne particles out of our noses-PPE works

I've taken some high level chem classes and I think I can shed some light on this subject. First of all, the acid portion is Acetic acid, not Citric acid. It is actually the sodium salt of acetic acid, which when combined with water, forms CH3COOH, acetic acid. Acetic acid is the portion of vinegar that gives it it's sharp taste and odor. The fumes you are getting is from dry acetic acid (anhydrous) going into the air.

What FMC is doing is mixing the acetate, minus the dextrose, and then dehydrating it. Therefore, each bag of "mix" contains half of the solutes listed on the label, which are shown in kg on the right side of the label. The other contents are the various salts, or electrolytes.

Finally, the third bag is dextrose, a 6 carbon sugar which is in the mix to prevent glucose from diffusing out of the patient's blood.

Because the acid is dry, dust is kicked up into the air and when it hits your mucous membranes the acetic acid forms by combining with the water in your mucosa, causing irritation. Bottom line: wear proper PPE.

ALWAYS WEAR PPE I AM SURE THIS IS YOUR UNIT POLICY AND IF YOU ARE NOT FOLLOWING IT YOU ARE CAUSING YOUR OWN PROBLEMS. PPE Policies are in place to protect you as well as any Patients.

Yes, we wear PPE paper mask. Even so, noxious odors are apparent. Is there any known health hazard to breathing dehydrated acetic acid into moist nasal passages, and becoming acetic acid?

jdbiomed. here is a link for an msds on sodium acetate (anhydrous acetic acid)

http://msds.chem.ox.ac.uk/SO/sodium_acetate.html

irritating, yes. especially hazardous, no. If it bothers you that much and the paper mask isn't effective, try using an N95 respirator. That's sure to eliminate any dust inhalation.

If the person mixing the Granuflo was doing it correctly, there shouldn't be that much getting into the air. There are two lids, a large one and a smaller one inside of the larger one. If the smaller one is the only lid removed while pouring the Granulfo in, there will be minimal dusting of the air. That is how I do it and I wear no PPE. Tell them to read the paper in the box that shows them how to do it.

Thank you for all the good ideas.