Star San is an acid-based sanitizer that is commonly used in the brewing and winemaking industries. It is known for being quick, odorless, tasteless, and safe for most materials except softer metals. The main active ingredients in Star San are phosphoric acid and dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid. When applied at the recommended dilution rate, it provides 300 ppm of dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid and 780 ppm of phosphoric acid. It is effective against a range of bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. However, it is important not to mix Star San with chlorine sanitizers or chlorinated cleaners, as this can produce a harmful gas
. As for the positive and negative aspects, some of the positive features of Star San include its effectiveness, quick action, and non-toxic nature. It is also easy on the environment, as it can be rendered inactive by raising the pH and the raw ingredients can feed aerobic bacteria found in septic systems or wastewater treatment facilities. However, one potential negative is that it is not suitable for use with softer metals. Additionally, it is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for dilution and use, as misuse can lead to hazards such as skin and eye irritation
