I'm currently building a small rack for my closet, and picked up some Container Store 'boot boxes' and 'mens shoe boxes' as well as some smaller boxes from Office Depot. They are store brand containers but are made by IRIS. They seem to be a little flimsy compared to regular IRIS containers, but are the exact sizes I need. I am a little concerned with the strong 'chemical' like smell they have. Very noticable when opened. I've washed them already but I can still smell it. Does anyone have any experience with this type of thing? Are there boxes I should avoid? Any advice would be helpful, as I want to get this rack done! Thanks!
Reptile & Amphibian Forums
Welcome to kingsnake.com's message board system. Here you may share and discuss information with others about your favorite reptile and amphibian related topics such as care and feeding, caging requirements, permits and licenses, and more. Launched in 1997, the kingsnake.com message board system is one of the oldest and largest systems on the internet.
Can plastic containers put out fumes?
herper92
Jul 06, 2010 05:46 PM
Replies (2)
markg
Jul 07, 2010 11:59 AM
If you are smelling it, then there are fumes. These are likely new boxes, or even if months old have been stored in closed containers until delivered to the store. They haven't "offgassed" if that is the correct term.
In time, and with a thin layer of substrate to absorb some of it, the fumes will likely lessen.
You will notice that boxes like that smell when new, whereas food storage containers do not as much. That is no accident. So the boxes you are using are not FDA approved, so there will be a smell for awhile. Depends where they are made and the process. China is notorious.
You can speed up the "offgass" process. Put in substrate and heat the boxes for a few days or more (no snakes). Then dump the substrate and wash the boxes. Should be a bit better.
-----
Mark
herper92
Jul 09, 2010 01:53 PM
Thanks for the reply. I contacted IRIS USA and was told these containers are made of polypropylene, the same as their regular boxes. I've read that this plastic is very common and is often used for food containers, especially when it needs to be heat resistant (such as dish washer safe). However, I also read that leaching can occur, and is more likely with thinner plastic, especially when heated. I've been airing them out and will wash them again before the rack is completed. Then I'm going to heat it empty for at least 4 or 5 days to test it out. Maybe I worry too much, but I don't think you can ever be too careful when it comes to your animals.
