Bleach can soften and damage mouth tissues and dead tissue can lead to cavities that warrant root canal work, or even tooth loss altogether Mouth/Throat: Many dentists have witnessed patients using household bleach to whiten teeth because they are unaware of the effects it has on the mouth and throat.Aside from discomfort, the acid that is created in the eye can lead to corneal ulcers, and potential loss of sight Bleach will combine with the natural liquids in your eyes and form a harmful acid. Eyes: Bleach will cause obvious discomfort immediately after contact with eyes.In restaurants and cafeterias, this risk can be particularly acute when bleach is used to clean walk-in refrigerators or other small spaces with limited air circulation If untreated, effects can result in respiratory failure. The inflammation that stems from pneumonitis can progress into stiffness of the lungs. Respiratory: Chlorine bleach inhalation can cause discomfort, coughing, and can lead to acute, or long-term chronic chemical pneumonitis.The most notorious effects of chlorine bleach occur within the respiratory system, but all of the following regions can be affected by chlorine bleach: The more you use chlorine, the more effects you are potentially exposing yourself to, as well as anyone else that must work in or share that space. Effects of Chlorine Bleach on the BodyĪs you use chlorine bleach, you may endanger your own body and the health of those around you. As such, it is important to understand exactly how chlorine bleach impacts human health and the environment, as well as to be aware of bleach-free alternatives.
CHLORINE BLEACH PLUS
When these two gases react with light plus the citrus chemicals in common household cleaning products (for example lemon or orange-scented cleaners) or raw citric acid in foods (such as where lemons for garnishing were recently cut at the bar, or a food prep area where lemon juice was spilled), they form secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) that are often linked to various health effects throughout the body. Products containing bleach emit hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and chlorine gas (Cl2) that can amass in dangerous levels in households. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) states that bleach is known for eliminating the following with its antimicrobial properties:īe sure to check each product’s EPA Master Label for the kill claims specific to that product.Īccording to ScienceDaily, “researchers have now discovered that bleach fumes, in combination with light and a citrus compound found in many household products, can form airborne particles that might be harmful when inhaled by pets or people.” It is composed of hypochlorite (NaOCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Bleach belongs to a large group of compounds designed to whiten, clean, and kill most viruses. Is Bleach Harmful for You and the Environment?įor many years, individuals and organizations alike have used bleach to solve their various sanitization and disinfection needs.