Zeolite: Nature's
Deodorizer
by Carl Tagliavia
Once again nature shows us she can do it better, and in reusable fashion! Finally a
natural bonafide solution to pet and household odors, toxic gases and musty basements.
Unlike conventional deodorizers that merely mask odors and are not even meant to address
toxic gases, this nature's product literally removes them from the air. For many years
this alternative has been mineralogically known as zeolite. What Is It?
Zeolite is a naturally occurring crystallized volcanic mineral. In fact there are at
least 50 different types existing in nature (in rock form), though the type which is
recognized as superior is known as the clinoptiolite group. What makes zeolite unusual is
that it is the only known negatively charged mineral in an original state, which means it
naturally absorbs pollutants from the air. This is because the vast majority of molecules
known to exist have some degree of polarity. In other words, they have both a positive and
negative side. It is the positive side of the polarized molecules that is attracted to the
negative charge of the zeolite crystals. When the positive side of the polarized molecules
makes contact with the negative charged surface of the crystal, the molecule becomes
attached to the crystal. Molecules smaller than four angstroms enter inside the crystal,
taking advantage of the enormous surface area. This process is technically called "adsorption",
not absorption with a "b". The process of adsorption refers to the locking onto
or retention of ions or molecules of a gas or liquid on the surface of a different
substance.
But the most remarkable property of zeolite is that, in rock form, it is reusable
indefinitely! It is available to the public in 1 and 2 pound breather bags that can adsorb
odors and gases for up to 3 months, depending on the situation. After that time the bags
are brought outdoors to be desorbed. This is achieved by the action of direct sunlight on
the bags. The gases and odors held in check within the rocks are now released, leaving the
bags of zeolite fresh and clean, ready to use again and again. Neat trick, eh?
It has been more than 50 years since chemists discovered that zeolite minerals had
unique properties, a discovery that prompted Union Carbide to develop expensive synthetic
substitutes, which they later realized were inferior to the natural version. Today,
synthetics are used primarily in fluidized catalytic processes to convert crude oil into
refined hydrocarbon products such as gasoline, kerosene, etc. According to a report in
"New
Scientist" magazine, natural zeolite minerals "...consist of a tetrahedral
network of oxygen and silicon atoms where aluminum replaces some of the silicon to form an
alumino-silicate". The result is an extended honeycomb of channels and cavities where
the aluminum atoms have fewer electrons than silicon available for bonding with the oxygen
atoms, thereby causing an unbalanced electrical charge. This gives zeolite its negative
charge. Because these channels provide up to several hundred square meters of surface area
on which chemical reactions can take place, zeolite can adsorb huge amounts of materials,
ions, or gas molecules (up to 30% of their dry weight).
Many Uses
Zeolite can adsorb toxins such as bacterial odors, formaldehyde, sulfur dioxide etc.,
as well as toxins like mercury, lead and radioactive gases. This is why zeolite was used
to clean up the nuclear accidents at Chernobyl and Three Mile Island. It is also a good
drying agent, actually working better than traditional desiccates such as silica and
alumina gels. In Europe, natural zeolitic rock finds its way into building stone as an
ingredient in cement or as lightweight insulation, while in Japan, it is used as filler by
paper makers.
Over the last few years, zeolite has been proven to be a boon to chemically sensitive
people. Many publications in this country and around the world have written highly of this
wonderful mineral. Also of notable mention, are the many pet lovers who have now found
comfort in being able to deal with their pet odors without the use of nasty chemicals.
Manufacturers also offer zeolite in a non-reusable powder form. It has been said that when
it comes to a deodorizing dry pet bath, nothing beats zeolite powder. A friend of mine
adds two or three tablespoons to his cat's litter box once a week and virtually eliminates
the offending odor. Hopefully, many people will one day discard their hurtful chemical
products and utilize this special mineral called zeolite.
About The
Author
For further information, contact David Andrews at Dasun
Company 800-433-8929.
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