Biodegradable BBs tested
By Daniel Hazlehurst (D.E.D. USA)
We at D.E.D are concerned with the implications of BB’s on the US ecosystem. It has come to our attention that the VSAF has completed independent lab test proving that the Bioval BB’s are the only 100% Biodegradable BB. D.E.D would like to thank VSAF and Peter Davidson for the data provided. That Lab test results provided have not been alter and are carbon copy of findings provided by the VSAF.
For some while now there has been confusion regarding Airsoft BBs biodegradability and the implications they have on our environment. This is of course a big concern for VSAF and some time ago we decided to try bring some clarity towards this issue. Lab tests are, however, very expensive and at first it did not appear as if we could row this one ashore. With some luck, however, we found Borealis and Inger at their department of biochemical testing, who completed four test for us all free of charge!
We want to thank Jonas and Patrik Arronsson who provided us with the contact and Inger L Olvmo at Borealis who conducted the test for us. A big thank you. We hope to be able to continue working with this issue and provide airsoft players with information enabling them to chose what is best for our Hobby and our environment.
We want to thank Jonas and Patrik Arronsson who provided us with the contact and Inger L Olvmo at Borealis who conducted the test for us. A big thank you. We hope to be able to continue working with this issue and provide airsoft players with information enabling them to chose what is best for our Hobby and our environment.
4 TYPES OF BB's TESTED
1.Excel [0.20]
2.Excel BIO [0.20]
3.Biotech [Bioval - 0.20]
4.Cyber Gun [0.20]
NO detectable amounts of the following elements where found in any of the samples: V, Cl, Cu, Fe, Zn, Ni, Cr.
XRF-analsies show that:
· Samples EXCEL, EXCEL BIO, & CYBER GUN contain large amounts of BaSO4 - Barium Sulphate; a compound found in plastic that doesn't beak down in our environment.
· The sample BIOTECH contain >10% CaCO3 – potassium bicarbonate.
CONCLUSION:
1. BIOTECH consists of starch and potassium bicarbonate.
2. EXCEL and EXCEL BIO consists of styrene and Barium Sulphate
3. Cyber Gun consists of a [akrylnitril-styrene-sampolymer] and Barium Sulphate
COMMENT: The conducted tests show that the sample called Biotech also known as "Bioval BB's" are the ONLY environmentally biodegradable BB. Biotech BB's are a made of easily degradable components. The sample Excel & Cyber Gun BB's: All containing the compound styrene and are not biodegradable.
By Daniel Hazlehurst (D.E.D. USA)