Tap water and bronze disease

[Sosius]

This is the first of two questions about which I have seen contradictory posts. While I don't expect a clear-cut answer on either question, I thought I would throw them out to the group for feedback and opinions.

QUESTION:  Does chlorinated tap water cause bronze disease. While I wouldn't store or soak coins in plain tap water, I would like to use it for rinsing, spraying, etc.

Thanks in advance!
Cliff

[Tiberiusjulius]

Don't soak. But as far as a quick rinse and dry, I think that is ok.
Josh

[Paul D3]

I would be very carful in using tap water. It is often fluorinated. If such water hangs up in small fizures in the coin metal, the fluorine could be very corrosive.

[bruce61813]

Neither the fluorine nor the chlorine in tap water will harm coins. they do not remain dissolved in the water for very long. If you are concerned, just expsse the wate to open air for 24 hours, or boil it for 2 minutes. Either will remove the dissolved gasses.

Bruce

[Sosius]

Thanks for the great feedback everybody.  If you have any more comments, keep 'em coming!

Cliff

[mix_val]

I wouldn't use tap water.  The concentration of various salts in tap water vary depending on where you are.  Bicarbonates, carbonates and sulfates shouldn't harm metal surfaces but halides speed up oxidation.  It's better to be safe than sorry.  I'd use distilled water

[Robert_Brenchley]

Gaseous chlorine won't cause BD, and will evaporate if you let water stand for 24 hours. So if you're worried, leave it that long before you use it. I'm not sure about flourine; what form of it is present in tapwater?