Additive Toxic
Component
Use Substitute
Material
Chrome
Lignosulfonate/lignite
Chromium Deflocculant Polyacrylate and/or
Polyacryamide polymer
Sodium chromate Chromium Corrosion control Sulfites, phosphonates,
and amines
Zinc chromate Chromium H2S control Non-chromium H2S scavengers
Lead-based pipe dope Lead Pipe thread
sealant/lubricant
Unleaded pipe dope
Barite Cadium,
mercury,
barium,
lead
Mud densifier Choose barite from sources low in cadium, mercury andlead.
Arsenic Arsenic Biocide Isothiazolins, carbamates, and gluteraldehydes
Source: Thurber, 1992
Table 5: Substitute materials for drilling fluid additives.