Chris wrote

> I heard at a lecture that oxalic acid and a particular affinity for iron.
> Thus careless use will affect the iron in the frame wires, the nails holding
> your hive together, and, more importantly, the iron in your bloodstream, causing
> anaemia.

Having used oxalic for 5 years, I must say that I have not seen or heard from any problems with oxalic + iron. My quess is that you would have to soak the hive in oxalic to see it.

In humans the problem is not anemia, but reaction with calcium ( Ca) in bloodstream. This seems to be deadly in theory, but I have not heard any incidents even hinting for this. In Europe it is used by many different ways by thousands of beekeepers. In my eyes many misuse it dangerously. Leaking containers, spilling  and vapours around hives. No personal protection whatever. But even these people stay alive and healthy. And don't even complain unless they overdose so much that they kill their bees.

Real problems have been reported by spilled formic acid. All that I know can still see with their eyes, but many have lost some skin from fingers. Luckily it grows back.

When you work with acids you should wear appropiate personal protection.


Ari Seppälä

Finland

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
-- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and  other info ---
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::