How Bleach kills germs and why you should be careful around it

    Sprayer killing germs

(Mayo Clinic Health System, 2020)

 Sodium Hypochlorite or known commonly as bleach, is an amazing cleaner to help kill all those pesky germs that hurt our immune system. Since we want to help our immune system out we use bleach to clean, bleach really does not like germs, fungus, and bacteria which is why it will steal their protein making them run out of energy (Department of Health, 2019). Without energy, the germs, fungus, and bacteria do not have the will to go on and will die.


Although bleach is such a good disinfectant you must be careful when using it, without diluting it properly or using proper protective equipment such as eyewear, masks, aprons and gloves it can harm you. If you get it on your skin it can cause irritation if washed off quickly that is all it will do, however, if you do not wash it off quickly it can blisters, swelling and burning of the skin. If it were to get in your eyes you could become blind if not washed out within a certain amount of time. It can also cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and coughing if inhaled or drunk (Weisblatt et al., 2006). You also need to be careful when making concoctions or “cleaning potions” with bleach as if it is mixed with other chemicals it can cause toxic fumes (Washington State Department Of Health, 2024). If using bleach to clean please make sure to dilute it as instructed, also if used in the bathroom, especially the toilet make sure to flush before going to pee or else it will release mustard gas (not fun).


Now that you know what can happen if you are not careful with bleach I hope that you have learned to use proper protective equipment when using it. I also hope you consider if you should use it or not.


References:

Department of Health. (2019). The Use of Bleach. Info.gov.hk. https://www.info.gov.hk/info/sars/en/useofbleach.htm 


Mayo Clinic Health System. (2020). Man Fighting Bacteria. In Mayo Clinic Health System.

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/clean-up-your-hand-washing-skills 


Washington State Department Of Health. (2024). Dangers of Mixing Bleach with Cleaners. Washington State Department of Health. https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/contaminants/bleach-mixing-dangers 


Weisblatt, J., Schlager, N., & Newton, D. E. (Eds.). (2006). Chemical Compounds (Vol. 3). UXL. https://go.gale.com/ps/retrieve.do?tabID=T003&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&searchResultsType=SingleTab&retrievalId=a0fbddf7-544f-4c21-b962-136a89ffa371&hitCount=8&searchType=BasicSearchForm&currentPosition=1&docId=GALE%7CCX3441700189&docType=Topic+overview&sort=Relevance&contentSegment=&prodId=GVRL&pageNum=1&contentSet=GALE%7CCX3441700189&searchId=R1&userGroupName=mtroyalc&inPS=true 

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