We've all used bleach for making our whites whiter and for sterilizing and disinfecting our homes. But have you ever taken a look at the chemical behind it all. This is a huge eye-opening to actually realize how toxic and dangerous this chemical really is. Even the label on the bleach bottle says "DANGER: Corrosive. May cause severe irritation or damage to eyes and skin...Avoid breathing vapors and use only in a well-ventilated area."
The most common time and/or area that these chemicals will come into contact with each other is when your are cleaning your bathroom. Since you usually have something for the toilet, something else for the sinks/counter tops, and of course the shower and that dreadful soap scum. The bathroom is one of the few places in your home that has a vent in it.
The main active ingredient in bleach is sodium hypochlorite which reacts with ammonia, drain cleaners and other acids. The combination of these two common household chemicals can release chlorine gas, a cousin to the chemical warfare used during World War I. When bleach and ammonia are mixed together, toxic gases called chloramines are produced, which can cause: coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing, nausea, watery eyes, irritation to the throat, nose and eyes and pneumonia and fluid in the lungs. There also have been reports that some people are so allergic to chlorine, that they need an epiPen when they are exposed to a concentrated does of vapors. When bleach and acid combine, chlorine gas is given off. At low levels this exposure almost always irritates the mucus membranes (eyes, throat and nose), and causes coughing and breathing problems, burning and watery eyes, and a running nose. Higher levels of exposure can cause chest pain, more severe breathing difficulties, vomiting, pneumonia, and fluid in the lungs. Very high levels can cause death.
So if you still want to use bleach, then you may want to switch out your other chemicals to natural products. Ones that do not use toxic chemicals which can harm you, your children, and your pets. There are quite a few choices out there, I'm still working on what I think is the best. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Sami
Thursday, February 5, 2009
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Here's the email I received from Clorox:
ReplyDeleteDear Sami,
I read your recent blog posts about cleaning products and bleach on February 2 and 5. On behalf of The Clorox Company, I thank you for considering bleach a viable option for cleaning and disinfecting. I also thought it might be helpful for me to clarify a few misconceptions about bleach.
Bleach is not toxic when used as directed. It is made from salt and water and, during normal household use and disposal, it breaks down primarily into salt and water. It’s also important to note that there is no free chlorine in bleach. When used as directed, as you noted, bleach is effective for making our whites whiter and for sterilizing and disinfecting our homes. Furthermore, according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers' National Poison Data System, the serious incident profile for bleach places it on a level between fluoride toothpaste and household plants.
Bleach also plays an important role in the home to help kill viruses that can cause colds and flu, bacteria that can cause Staph infections and Strep throat, and even the fungus that can cause Athlete’s Foot.
When it comes to laundry, bleach is the best additive because it not only gets out stains; it removes body soils and kills germs that detergent alone can leave behind. Also, bleach used in laundry does not survive in sewage treatment, so it does not harm the environment.
Before using any cleaning product, Clorox recommends that consumers always read and follow precautions and usage directions. Furthermore, Clorox recommends always storing cleaning products out of reach of children.
Today, Clorox Liquid Bleach is still the most trusted brand of bleach for a cleaner, healthier home.
If you have any questions, feel free to visit www.factsaboutbleach.com or contact me.
Best,
Laura Jacobs
On behalf of The Clorox Company
I think the point Sami was trying to get at is no matter how you use it right on the label it still says harmful.I know while I am cleaning my house I don't have the time to look and make sure my pets don't come across it.
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