Urinal deodorizer block

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Image of a urinal deodorizer block taken in June 2004 at Georgia Southern University, College of Information Technology, USA.

Sticker above urinal reads "Please do not eat the urinal cakes".

Multi-coloured cakes in basic Tanzanian urinal.

Urinal deodorizer blocks, also often called Urinal cakes or Urinal mints, are the small disinfectant blocks found in urinals.

The purpose of these blocks is to disinfect^{[citation needed]} and deodorize washroom urinals. Placed above the urinal drain, they are air-activated and slowly evaporate when in contact with the air.^{[citation needed]} Since they do not dissolve in water, they do not deodorize the flushing water and urine.

Appearance

They are usually cylindrical — about eight centimeters in diameter, two centimeters thick, and weigh about one hundred grams when new. This shape is the source of their more informal name (urinal cake or toilet cookies), as they somewhat resemble small blocks. They are generally pink in color, although other colors, such as green, blue and white, are seen.

Composition

The chemicals composing the block may vary. The base is commonly pure paradichlorobenzene or naphthalene. The block's functionality is enhanced by saturating it with a scenting compound, such as cherry,^[1] and quaternary ammonium compounds. Urinal blocks of the size listed above and made of this chemical usually last 30–60 days.

Most Urinal Blocks are now paradichlorobenzene free since it was recognised that paradichlorobenzene had carcinogenic risks where inhalation in a confined space such as a washroom presents a very real danger - because of this Bio Productions make Non pDCB Urinal Blocks. Non pDCB urinal blocks are the safer alternative to conventional paradichlorobenzene urinal and channel blocks, or pineapple blocks. They contain effective cleaning agents and a powerful odour-eliminating citrus fragrance to clean and maintain pipework and prevent washroom odours. Unlike pDCB blocks, which dissolve into the atmosphere these blocks are water soluble. Therefore, each time the urinal is used the block dispenses specially formulated cleaning agents to maintain the drainage system, providing a cleaner, odour-free washroom.

Novelty blocks

Novelty blocks are from time to time manufactured with bull's eyes or pop-culture villains pictured upon them. There is an advertising or promotional talking block called Wizmark, including an "Interactive Urinal Communicator" providing an auto activated 15 second pre-recorded audio message or flashing lights from inside the urinal.

See also

• Toilet rim block

References

• Bio Productions Bio Productions, Europes largest urinal block producer

Notes