Negative Effects of Antifreeze in the Environment

Antifreeze is a chemical made from ethylene glycol, a known poisonous substance, that is used to prevent automobile engines and components from freezing during cold winter temperatures. Used antifreeze often contains copper, zinc, lead and benzene from automobile engines and can pose several risks to the environment, animals and humans when leaked, spilled or dumped incorrectly.

Water Pollution and Aquatic Life

• If antifreeze is suddenly leaked or dumped into the environment, it has the potential to negatively impact groundwater supplies with pollution. It can have an especially serious impact on aquatic life because the degradation of glycol in antifreeze demands large amounts of oxygen. This demand for oxygen removes much of the oxygen in the water used by aquatic life for survival. Although pure forms of ethylene glycol in antifreeze breaks down into water and carbon dioxide over time, most forms of antifreeze contain rust inhibitors, lead and benzene from car engines. These chemicals do not break down and present a more serious risk to the environment that pure ethylene glycol.

Ammonia

• The degradation of glycols from spilled or leaked antifreeze in the environment also causes the release of ammonia gas. Ammonia is a naturally occurring gas commonly used in household cleaning products. Although ammonia is found in humans and in the environment, it is a pungent gas that can cause severe eye, nasal and skin irritation. Ammonia is also corrosive and can explode when exposed to high amounts of heat.

Effects on Humans and Animals

• While leaked antifreeze has negative impacts on the environment, humans who are exposed to antifreeze or water polluted by antifreeze can encounter several health problems as a result. Ingested antifreeze can cause severe damage to the liver and kidneys, and it also causes skin and eye irritation upon contact. A person who consumes water polluted by antifreeze can ingest unhealthy amounts of lead, leading to lead poisoning. Exposure to benzene can cause leukemia. Ethylene glycol has a sweet smell and taste, which animals find tempting. According to the Humane Society of the United States, ingesting even a tablespoon of antifreeze can put an animal's life in jeopardy.

Recycling

• Antifreeze must always be recycled by a certified recycling facility. Never dump antifreeze down a drain, leave an open container of antifreeze near children or pets or mix antifreeze with other waste. Antifreeze should be stored in clearly marked containers that are sealed until you are able to bring them to a recycling facility. Many cities participate in a city-wide Household Hazardous Waste Day for consumers to dispose of their hazardous waste safely. You can find information on the next recycling opportunity by calling the environmental, health or solid waste agency in your area.