Is Bleach a Harmful Cleaning Product for Every Day Use at Home?
Bleach is a powerful cleaning product, capable of removing many stains and impurities even when other when other solutions fail. Bleach can also keep clothes looking bright and it can even kill mold. Based on these descriptions alone, it would seem like a miracle product, but the regular use of bleach requires some serious precautions. Does this Spark an idea?
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Defining Bleach
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"Bleach" is a generalized term that can refer to any bleaching agent. Common household bleach refers to sodium hypochlorite, also known as chlorine bleach. This bleach has some highly abrasive chemical qualities and requires extreme caution and care. Oxygen bleach, by contrast, is a natural green cleaning product, completely safe for regular use on most household surfaces. You can find oxygen bleach in your local grocery or home supply store.
Chlorine Bleach Dangers
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Chlorine bleach is an abrasive chemical compound that releases dangerous gases known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. These gases are harmful to the environment as well as to your health. Since volatile organic compounds reach the central nervous system, they can contribute to painful headaches, nausea, dizziness, lack of focus and even memory impairment, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, if bleach mixes with other chemicals such as ammonia, it can release chlorine gas into the atmosphere. Use extreme caution if you have children or animals inside the home.
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Chlorine Bleach Precautions
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If you do want to use chlorine bleach to attack a particularly difficult stain or fight household mold, use good judgment. Use only the amount of bleach that you need, protect your skin with rubber gloves and wear protective clothing as well. A breathing mask or respirator can prevent the fumes from entering your airways. Open a window while applying the bleach, in order to promote the circulation of air.
Alternatives
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If you have a difficult job that calls for chlorine bleach, you can obtain similar results using safer, alternative products. As mentioned before, oxygen bleach is safe and natural, and can work wonders against tough stains and even mildew. Hydrogen peroxide is another natural bleaching agent. Though peroxide contains no toxigenic fumes, be very careful not to ingest it or get it in your eyes, and always keep it out of reach of small children.
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