Muriatic Acid

Last week, with a bit of unanticipated energy, I decided to get rid of some of the junk that was being stored in our garage.

When I rummaged through an 8-foot storage cabinet that was full of remnants of nearly empty paint cans (being saved in case a wall within our home needed a touchup of paint, but that never seems to be needed,) I found half-gallon plastic container holding muriatic acid.

For the life of me, I cannot remember when or why I might have used that dangerous liquid in the 45 years that we have lived in Dyer. It must have been used for something dozens of years ago.

I was tempted to just pour the acid out on some stones adjacent to our driveway. Upon reading the warnings on the container, I did not do that, as the label warned that it could cause dangerous fumes or hurt someone if splashed on them. It would be harmful even if it was only touched after being diluted by rain.

I then thought that there must be a way to neutralize acid, and so I scoured the internet for information on how to do that. When I double-checked what the internet said, AI warned that only an experienced professional should attempt this task.

Then I found a company in northwest Indiana that would accept the container with the remaining acid for a small fee. When I dropped it off, seeing that I was an older man and knowing I was trying to do the right thing, I was told that there would be no charge for me.

I smiled and thanked the company representative, and then I thought about how the world still is full of kind people wanting to help others. These good people are God’s working hands in life. I thanked God for them and told the company, “God bless you for making my day and for sharing God’s blessings with others”, …life’s hidden treasures.

By: Deacon Tom Gryzbek