Have you ever wondered how do rusts form? You can usually see rusts on metal and iron. Rust is also called iron oxide. It is the reddish-brown color that occurs through the process of corrosion. When iron meets water and oxygen, it makes a chemical reaction which leads to the formation of rust. Thus, the part that has rust will now be weak and unstable. After some time, the iron will disintegrate and break.
Here are some facts you need to know about rusts:
1. Prevention
If you don’t want rusts to build on your home appliances and furniture, you must use a preventive coating like paint over all your items made of iron. When the temperature is humid, oxygen and water can easily damage iron. It is better to use and buy products that are rust-resistant alloys. Stainless steel and weathering steel are examples. Since they have a protective covering, corrosion is avoided. To prevent rusts, you must also consider the design of your iron materials. Make sure that it is not near places that can easily be penetrated by water. Drainage, gutters, and water pipes should not be made with iron, as much as possible.
2. Removal
Rusts can be removed in various ways. If the part is only small, you may use a razor blade to scrape it off. Next, wash it with water and soap. Another way to remove this kind of stain is through sandblasting. If there is already a large area with this pigment, you may use this method. In Utah, they offer excellent sandblasting services which can remove all impurities in preparation for the final coating. The final powder coating can be applied after the rust removal to prevent further development of the surface stain.
3. Hazards
When you are exposed to too much iron oxide, you may develop an illness called welder’s lung. It occurs when small particles or iron is inhaled and goes to your lungs. People who are usually afflicted with this kind of sickness are the welders, miners, polishers, and metal manufacturers. Tetanus is another illness that has always been known to be caused by rusts. Unfortunately, this is not true. Tetanus is a bacterium that grows on objects or places that has soil, dust, and feces. Since the bacteria is too small, it can hide in places that they can stay in. One example is the rust particles that are protruding from the iron material. They can hide in there, and once a person gets a bruise with that rusty object, it may result in tetanus.
4. Protection
Whenever you are going to be exposed to a big amount of iron oxide, make sure that you are appropriately clothed with complete equipment. Commonly, workers who handle this wear safety gear like gloves and goggles. Professionals may opt to wear a hazmat suit.
Rusts are problems that can quickly be dealt with if you know how it develops and its prevention. Make sure you learn about this before buying any product that is made from iron. Carefully think on how these rusts can be avoided to create a safe and harmless home.
