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Corrosion Proof...NOT!

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Categories: Instruction and information; Ethics and laws; Commerce and business

Word count/read time: 617 words; 2-1/2 minutes

"Corrosion-proof" and anything hinting at it have a legal definition. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 16, Chapter I, Subchapter B, Part 23, Section 23.10 and supporting documentation state:

16 CFR 23.10 - Misuse of "corrosion proof," "noncorrosive," "corrosion resistant," "rust proof," "rust resistant," etc.

(a) It is unfair or deceptive to:

(1) Use the terms "corrosion proof," "noncorrosive," "rust proof," or any other term of similar meaning to describe an industry product unless all parts of the product will be immune from rust and other forms of corrosion during the life expectancy of the product; or

(2) Use the terms "corrosion resistant," "rust resistant," or any other term of similar meaning to describe an industry product unless all parts of the product are of such composition as to not be subject to material damage by corrosion or rust during the major portion of the life expectancy of the product under normal conditions of use.

(b) Among the metals that may be considered as corrosion (and rust) resistant are: Pure nickel; Gold alloys of not less than 10 Kt. fineness; and Austenitic stainless steels.

"Holy easy-to-read-and-understand, Batman!!"

"Yes, Robin, but there are many who will continue their illegal claims!"

First, it is the law. Second, basic science explains it. Third, become aware of the laws that pertain to labeling or marketing any items. A firestorm erupts each time the handmade or corrosion-proof topic is discussed, both of which have legal definitions. The law clarifies whether an item can be called XYZ or not. It's like organic for food.

Like with the "handmade" term, many who become aware of the "corrosion" law will continue lying. They will find some reason why it doesn't apply to them, scapegoat someone else, etc. Calling something corrosion-proof, rust-resistant, or tarnish-proof has a legal bite. Many jewelers and chain makers ignore it.

If it can have a patina, rust, oxidation, verdigris, tarnish, or anything from a corrosive process then it is not resistant to oxidation. Can it be more tarnish-resistant than something else? Yes, it can but not without some sort of exclusion or qualifier.

While the law is written so an elementary student can understand it, some just won't get it regardless of how it's written. Here is a partial list of NOT corrosion-proof items:

Most stainless steels. Yep, that's right. It just takes longer to start rusting and it generally isn't as bad. Only a very small subset of stainless is actually, legally, corrosion-proof.
Aluminum anything - Anodized aluminum will eventually turn into white powder, a scientific fact just like the solar eclipse.
Anything painted, enameled, or powder-coated unless the base metal is one of the legal metals
Anything electroplated, layered, inlaid, washed, vermeiled, filled, coated, or any similar thing
Any gold-filled item because the base metal corrodes
Any high-purity silver alloy
Galvanized steel or other metals
Antiqued, oxidized, aged, weathered, etc. - These are pre-corroded so how could they ever be corrosion-resistant?!

Titanium is a potential law-skirter. It gets its nifty rainbow colors...well...because it has oxidized. Will it pit and flake away? Probably not. Niobium, tantalum, molybdenum, chromium, and some others are "on the fence" as well but they have shown flaws in some applications. Most of these metals are suitable for medical implants devices so they have some legitimate anti-corrosive properties.

No one likes to be deceived or scammed into buying something. Whether a first-world loser buying their conflict diamonds or a fourth-world tribal leader negotiating for livestock, this fundamental truth is something everyone can agree upon.

Is any deal a good deal if the premise of the sale isn't exactly honest or forthcoming? You can strike back by supporting ethical businesses.

Posted by M: October 5, 2017

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