What is the toxic ingredient in bleach?
Products containing bleach emit hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and chlorine gas (Cl2) that can amass in dangerous levels in households.
What is the main chemical compound in bleach?
Sodium hypochlorite
Sodium hypochlorite is most often encountered as a pale greenish-yellow dilute solution referred to as liquid bleach, which is a household chemical widely used (since the 18th century) as a disinfectant or a bleaching agent.
What is bleach made up of?
sodium hypochlorite
The active ingredient in household bleach is sodium hypochlorite, which is derived from salt. In fact, Clorox is headquartered in Oakland, California because we started making bleach here by running electricity through salt water from San Francisco Bay! So household bleach begins and ends as salt and water.
Is bleach a neurotoxin?
Bleach can be toxic to every living being and our environment. As you may know (or even have experienced), the fumes from bleach are very strong. When it’s inhaled, it may cause a variety of health problems. Bleach is very irritating and corrosive to the skin, lungs, and eyes.
Is hypochlorite an acid or base?
Sodium hypochlorite solution is a weak base that is inflammable.
Why is sodium hypochlorite used in bleach?
Sodium hypochlorite, commonly known as bleach, is most frequently used as a disinfecting agent. It is a broad-spectrum disinfectant that is effective for the disinfection of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and mycobacterium.
Is bleach natural or man made?
The current splits the atoms, resulting in chlorine and caustic soda (lye). Both of these chemicals are highly dangerous and, when reacted together, create bleach. So, while the components of bleach are naturally occurring, bleach is man-made and is one of the most corrosive chemicals around.
Is bleach a hazardous material?
Bleach is corrosive, which means it can irritate or burn your skin or eyes. It can also corrode (“eat”) metals. When mixed with certain other chemicals or cleaners, it can produce toxic gases which can damage your lungs or be deadly. Always use caution and care when working with this product.
Should I wear a mask when using bleach?
Eye protection and a face mask are highly recommended when using bleach given the toxicity of the fumes, but gloves are mandatory, as bleach corrodes skin on contact (it actually breaks skin down and begins to form chemical burns – that’s why you might think your skin feels oily after coming into contact with the …
Is it safe to wash your hands with bleach?
Household bleach will irritate skin, and prolonged contact can damage skin, he says. Wash your skin immediately if bleach gets on it, and do the same if it gets in your eyes, advises Clorox. The company also recommends wearing protective gloves, if you plan on cleaning with bleach for an extended period.