Any metal is vulnerable to corrosion, which occurs when the atoms on a metal surface are exposed to air or water. Through this exposure, the metal loses electrons, and, as oxygen decreases, it forms an oxide with the metal, a process called oxidation. Since oxidation can have genuine and potentially quite dangerous effects, it is crucial to buy products with high amounts of corrosion resistance. Below, learn about some of the dangers of corrosion.

What Are the Harmful Effects of Corrosion?

1. Diminished Safety

Corrosion weakens metal and increases the likelihood that it will lose its structure and fail. Much of modern life and infrastructure depends on metal products, from cars and airplanes to bridges and tunnels, from plumbing equipment and construction fittings to household goods like pots and pans, appliances, and electronics. You want to be able to rely on the strength and structure of all of these materials, as corroded metal can fail and lead to injuries, property damage, and worse.

2. Compromised Health

A corroded metal object has the potential to endanger a person's health in two possible ways. First, this issue can destroy metal devices that are implanted in bodies, like artificial hips, pacemakers, pins, and plates. While modern metal devices are designed with corrosion resistance in mind, older devices may still be vulnerable. 

The oxidation process can cause metallosis, or metal poisoning, which causes extreme pain, tissue and bone death. Also, corroded metal outside of the body can release pollutants into the air, making it less safe and less breathable and triggering or exacerbating respiratory issues.

3. Financial Loss

When a metal product does not possess high levels of corrosion resistance, it won't last as long as one designed to withstand this phenomenon. You will need to replace the product more often, and it will be more susceptible to breakdown, failure, and the need for repairs—all of which cost money. 

For the small, random metal part, this may not be a huge expenditure. However, a piece of infrastructure, a major home appliance, or a complex network of pipes carrying water to and from a home are major investments. Replacing them may be a cost that a property or business owner, taxpayer, or government just can't afford.

When you need metal goods with corrosion resistance, trust the Porter-Guertin Co. Serving the Cincinnati, OH, area, they provide metal plating and coating services directly to customers. Their services include nickel coating, hard chrome plating, electroless nickel plating, and other auxiliary processes. Call (513) 241-7663 or visit their website to request a quote.