• Hygiene and Sanitation

  Bleach is an everyday product with a potential to do more harm than good!

  Posted by Nigel on 31 May 2020 at 10:06 am

  Bleach is a chemical that can be diluted and used as a cleaning agent to kill bacteria, fungi and viruses, both in the home and place of work but how much do you really know about bleach?

  Handling bleach requires caution and care because it’s corrosive, which means it can irritate or burn the skin and eyes but how many people who use this product ever read the warning labels!

  When mixed with certain chemicals or cleaners, bleach can create toxic gases that may cause lung damage and even death. Most common household cleaning products contain toxic and volatile chemicals that can be deadly if not used properly. This is especially true when products are mixed together in an attempt to create stronger and more-effective solutions to make cleaning easier.

  Hundreds of people are killed while thousands end up in emergency rooms every year after being exposed to the effects of these chemical reactions. Here are a few examples of dangerous reactions that can occur when common cleaning products are improperly combined.

  Bleach and Vinegar

  While many people know that mixing bleach and ammonia together can produce a deadly gas, combining bleach with vinegar can be just as dangerous. In fact, adding almost any kind of acidic solution to bleach will create a chlorine gas. Exposure to high concentrations of this gas, particularly in poorly-ventilated areas can burn the respiratory tract, nose and throat in addition to the sensitive membranes around the eyes.

  Bleach and Rubbing Alcohol

  Mixing these two products together can produce chloroform as well as hydrochloric acid. While small amounts of chloroform can have a sedating effect, exposure to high concentrations can lead to respiratory distress, heart arrhythmia, coma and death. Exposure to hydrochloric acid, even in small concentrations, can damage the lungs, eyes, skin as well as the liver and kidneys.

  Vinegar and Peroxide

  Both of these products tend to be perceived as being harmless, and together they can be an effective sanitizer. However, it’s not recommended to combine them at home as slight variations in the ratio of the mixture, or in the purity of the products, can produce a highly-corrosive compound called peracetic acid. The acid can cause severe and deep burns, inflammation of the respiratory tract and blindness. Additionally, peraceic acid can be explosive if the right concentrations come into contact with certain metals.

  Employers especially should take precautions to help keep workers safe from bleach related hazards, including:

  • Substitute a less-hazardous product when possible.
  • Teach workers how to safely use and store bleach and what to do in case of an emergency.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the label or Safety Data Sheet.
  • Never use bleach in a container that doesn’t have a legible label.
  • Know how to properly dilute bleach. For example, always pour bleach into water – never the other way around.
  • Never mix bleach with other products, particularly other cleaners that contain ammonia.
  • Work in a well-ventilated area. Use fans and keep doors and windows open.
  • Wear personal protective equipment, including respiratory protection, gloves, goggles and faceshields.
  • Know that not all gloves can protect workers in every situation.
  • Wear clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, that covers your skin in case the bleach spills or splashes.
  • Keep bleach stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Close the lid tightly after use.
  • Keep away from metals.
  • Refrain from eating, drinking or smoking while using bleach, and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water after use.

  The important thing to remember is that warning labels are on products for a reason, and we need to be handling them with care in order to minimise the chances of being exposed to dangerous reactions. This is particularly true if we’re in the current pandemic situation where it may be difficult or impossible to seek appropriate medical care. Ensure that you are using and storing products carefully, and be aware that mixing chemical together, even “safe” home chemicals that may prove to be disastrous.

  

  Nigel replied 4 years, 7 months ago 1 Member · 0 Replies
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