[pct-l] expired water treatment tablets

[Jim & Jane Moody]

David, 

I have used Micropur tabs on the AT and PCT, but never ones that were >2 yrs expired.  I have looked for the guy's name that helped me with some discounts (he is a regioinal rep for Katadyn), but can't find it.  Sorry.  He might be at Trail Days this weekend, if you're close by Damascus. 



Considering how expensive they are, I think I would risk it and use them, unless the seals have leaked.  I suspect that the expiration date really is for the waterproof sealing, not the chemicals inside, which really wouldn't change unless acted on by outside factors (heat, cold, moisture, sunlight, etc.).  Maybe carry some Aqua Mira as a backup and use the tabs IF it looks normal when you open the foil wrapper.  If the tab is wet or discolored, dump it and use AM. 



This may warrant some further research before you toss them, if you have time.  Also, please share your findings with the List, again if you have time.  Good luck. 

Thanks, 

Mango 


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "David Reeb" <dreeb9871 at yahoo.com> 
To: "PCT listserve" <pct-l at backcountry.net> 
Sent: Tuesday, May 10, 2011 11:07:42 AM 
Subject: [pct-l] expired water treatment tablets 

Hi all, 

New to the list and frantically prepping for a thru starting May 16th! :)   

I have a stash of leftover Katadyn Micropur MP 1 water purifier tablets from my 
AT hike but they're over 2.5 years expired!  While I'd hate for them to go to 
waste I also don't want to take any unnecessary chances on the treatment not 
working.. 

I have one chemist friend (one really smart dude) saying that the salts don't 
really have an expiration and to use them w/o worry... and then a pharmacist 
friend saying that 2-3 years expired on any drug is too far gone.. 

Any chemistry gurus on this list who can convince me that they're ok?! :D   

According to the package they contain Sodium Chlorite and Sodium 
Dichloroisocyanurate dihydrate. 

Unless I hear otherwise, I'm disposing of them. 

Thanks! 
Fool 
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