Bleach Hazards: Safe Cleaning Tips
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When cleaning the house, many people use some strong cleaners, especially bleach. Bleach is popular because it is affordable and can disinfect and kill bacteria. However, many people do not know that improper use of bleach can pose serious health risks. Earlier, a housewife in Taiwan had to be hospitalized due to improper use of bleach, and later needed to be admitted to the ICU for emergency treatment. What step did she do wrong that caused the accident? Experts also warn that if bleach is mixed with a certain substance, it could be fatal. What is that substance?
Improper Use of Bleach Leads to Pulmonary Edema in 60-Year-Old Housewife, Rushed to Hospital
A 66-year-old woman, in an attempt to clean mold from her bathroom tiles, poured half a bottle of bleach directly into a bucket. During the cleaning process, she endured the pungent smell of the bleach and continued cleaning for an hour. She then experienced difficulty breathing, coughing, and other symptoms, which led to her being rushed to the hospital. Upon examination, it was found that she had infiltrates in her right lower lung and bilateral pulmonary edema. Due to her breathing difficulties, she was transferred to the intensive care unit and connected to a life support system. Her condition stabilized after a week, but she ultimately had to stay in the hospital for about 50 days before being discharged.
The director of the emergency and critical care department at the hospital pointed out that most cleaning agents are alkaline chemicals, with bleach being a strong oxidizing agent that can irritate mucous membranes, skin, and the respiratory tract. Contact with bleach can cause irritation or inflammation of the skin or eyes, and even lead to corneal damage and skin burns. Inhaling bleach accidentally can result in aspiration pneumonia or pulmonary edema, potentially leading to respiratory failure. He emphasized that the alveoli in the lungs, responsible for gas exchange, are very fragile and more susceptible to damage than the skin. Therefore, when using such chemicals, especially strong cleaners like bleach, it is crucial to ensure good ventilation and avoid close contact or inhalation.
See more: 【Pre-Move-In Cleaning】How to Clean After Renovation and Before Moving In? 5 Steps for DIY Deep Disinfection Including 2 Natural Methods to Prevent Mold!
Mixing Bleach with Certain Cleaners Can Release Toxic Gas
In Taiwan, toxicology experts have warned that bleach must never be mixed with hydrochloric acid-based cleaning products, such as some toilet cleaners. This combination can release toxic gases, potentially leading to 'chlorine poisoning,' which may cause eye irritation, burning sensations in the respiratory tract, difficulty breathing, and even life-threatening situations. The Health Protection Centre of the Department of Health in Hong Kong also notes in their Personal Care and Home Hygiene Manual that the main component of household bleach is sodium hypochlorite, which denatures proteins and effectively kills bacteria and viruses. However, improper use can reduce its effectiveness and even lead to accidents. Therefore, it is crucial to strictly adhere to relevant safety guidelines when using any cleaning products.
8 Key Rules for Using Bleach
Based on guidelines from the Centre for Health Protection and expert recommendations, here are 8 key rules for using bleach:
1. Always dilute before use; do not use concentrated bleach directly.
2. Dilute or use bleach in a well-ventilated area.
3. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (e.g., mask, gloves, goggles) when diluting or using bleach.
4. Use cold water for dilution; do not heat bleach.
5. Household bleach contains 5.25% sodium hypochlorite. The correct dilution method (mixing with water) is as follows:
- 1:99 ratio, suitable for general household cleaning and disinfection.
- 1:49 ratio, for disinfecting surfaces or objects contaminated with vomit, excreta, or secretions.
- 1:4 ratio, for disinfecting surfaces or objects contaminated with blood spills.
6. Never mix bleach with acidic cleaners to avoid producing hazardous gases.
7. Do not spray bleach; avoid direct contact with skin or eyes.
8. Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling bleach.
Precautions for Using Bleach
- Avoid using on metals, wool, nylon, silk, dyed fabrics, and painted surfaces
- Undiluted bleach can release toxic gases under sunlight, so it should be stored in a cool, shaded place out of reach of children
- Sodium hypochlorite decomposes over time. To ensure its disinfecting efficacy, purchase recently manufactured bleach and avoid excessive storage
- For effective disinfection, diluted bleach should be used within 24 hours of preparation. The longer it is stored, the more it decomposes
- Organic matter can deactivate bleach; clean organic matter from surfaces before using bleach for disinfection
- If you come into contact with irritating liquids, rinse with plenty of water for about 10 minutes or more and consult a doctor
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