In last number of my journal I had a question from one
of readers about using sodium hydroxide or caustic
soda (NaOH) for disinfection of hive equipment.
Because I had no personal expiriance I pass the
instructions/recommendations which are preached by
veterinarians in Slovenia. They recommend using 2% hot
solution of NaOH.
Now I have read that NaOH can be EXTREMELY dangerous
for the one who work with it...
1. What are the safety recommendations?
I doubt that such a weak water solution (2%) of NaOH
can kill/inactivate the spores of American foulbrood.
As I understand, it's main purpose is to expose the
spores to the heat of the water, but...
2)... Did 10 minutes in hot solution of 2% NaOH is
enough for equipment to be disinfected, as Slovenian
veterinarians are recommending?



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Aleksandar Mihajlovski, editor of
Macedonian beekeeping journal: "Melitagora"
Ul. Helsinki 41 a, 1000 Skopje, Macedonia
Tel./Fax(modem): ++ 389 2 363-424
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Join "Apimak", Macedonian discussion group at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/apimak

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