Environmental Impact

Tests with E36 show it readily biodegrades at low temperatures and has a low biological oxygen demand (BOD) when compared to 

glycol-based deicers. Toxicity tests rate E36 "relatively harmless" to aquatic life, the most favorable classification used by the 

environmental community. And the fluid contains neither ammonia nor nitrogen. Therefore, E36 is considered much safer for the 

environment than either glycol or urea.

As suggested by the FAA, the following general summary of environmental and hazard information is provided. Additional detail is 

available in the MSDS. Complete test report documentation is available upon request from Cryotech.

Biodegradability

The chemical oxygen demand (COD) of E36 was determined using SM 5210B.

• COD (TOD) = 0.32 g O2/g deicer

The biological oxygen demand (BOD) of E36 was determined using SM 5210B.

• BOD5 @ 68°F = 0.25 g O2/g deicer

Aquatic Toxicity

Current EPA methods were used for measuring the acute and chronic toxicity of E36. According to the US Fish and Wildlife scale, 

material with an LC50 greater than 1000 mg/L is "relatively harmless", which is the least toxic material classification.

• Fathead minnow 7-day chronic.....LC50 > 1500 mg/L

• Rainbow trout 96-hour acute.....LC50 > 2100 mg/L

• Daphnia magna 48-hour acute.....LC50 > 3000 mg/L

Toxicity of Acetate-Based Deicers in Marine (Saltwater) Environments

Toxicity of deicers to marine organisms can be important to know when deicing applications are located where run-off can flow into 

saltwater environments. Cryotech acetate-based solid and liquid deicers are all considered relatively non-toxic in this type of 

receiving water.

E36 Acute Toxicity Testing Results

Cryotech potassium acetate runway deicer

• 48-hr LC50, sheepshead minnows: 6,300 mg/L

• 48-hr LC50, mysid: 1,400 mg/L

The EPA recognizes a chemical as "basically non-toxic" when acute toxicity results are above 1000 mg/L.

Current EPA methods were used for measuring acute toxicity of E36 to marine organisms.

Chronic Toxicity Testing

It is generally agreed by state agencies that acetate-based deicers are readily biodegradable and dissipate rapidly. The chance of 

chronic long-term exposure is therefore greatly reduced. Given that and the fact that Cryotech acetate-based deicers are relatively 

non-toxic, chronic toxicity testing has not been required.

Hazard Information

• Hazardous Waste & Shipping

E36 is not a listed hazardous waste. The RCRA regulations define hazardous waste in two ways: a listed hazardous 

waste or a characteristic hazardous waste. A waste may be considered hazardous if it exhibits any one of four 

characteristics - corrosivity, toxicity, ignitability, or reactivity. A waste is corrosive under RCRA if it has a pH less than or 

equal to 2.0 or greater than or equal to 12.5. E36 is not RCRA corrosive, toxic, ignitable or reactive; therefore, it is not a 

characteristic hazardous waste.

• No Hazardous Components

E36 contains no hazardous components as described by SARA Title III, Section 302. Nor is E36 designated as a 

hazardous chemical by the U.S. Department of Transportation. E36 does not contain nitrates.

• Spill Handling Procedures

E36 is not expected to present environmental problems. If product should spill, it should be absorbed and the resulting 

waste disposed of in a sanitary landfill unless state or local regulations prohibit such disposal.

• Container and Product Disposal

Based on information available to Cryotech Deicing Technology, E36 is neither listed as a hazardous waste, nor does it 

exhibit any of the characteristics that would cause it to be classified or disposed of as a RCRA hazardous waste. Empty 

containers and product unsuitable for normal deicing operations may be disposed of in a sanitary landfill unless state or 

local regulations prohibit such disposal.