Bleach is the generic term used for any chemical compound which effectively serves as a cleaning agent for industrial or domestic purposes. The different types of bleach we use in our households are chlorine bleach and oxygen bleach. These are considered as perfect cleaners to clear the grim and faulty odors. Thus, bleaches are best used for easy cleaning. But are they easy on the environment and the human body?
Bleach can almost kill every harmful agent, like most types of viruses, bacteria, and algae. They are efficient disinfectants but those characteristics do not make the bleach a perfect cleaning solution either. The bitter cup lies in the amount of damage it creates to the environment and humans.
Check these 3 facts about bleach that we use in our day-to-day life.
1.Bleach and citrus together form ultrafine limonene particles which are highly toxic for humans
When any of the bleach fumes mix with citrus compounds, they form ultrafine particles called limonene. These ultrafine particles are similar to the atoms found in smog. Hence, they have a tremendous impact on humans, causing skin, lungs, eyes, and throat infections.
Both the compounds (bleach and citrus) are found in household cleaners, which, when contacted with water, gets released into the air. These limonene particles constitute significant in-door pollution. Thus minimizing their usage is highly advisable. One can use green products instead of traditional bleach for cleaning purposes.
2.Bleach dissolved in water body compounds forms "persistent organic pollutants" like dioxins and PCDDs. They cause immense damage to water and soil.
Persistent organic pollutants stay longer in the environment and cause immense amounts of pollution. These particles, including dioxins, furans, and PCDDs, linger around in the water and soil for years before disappearing. These persistent organic pollutants, especially dioxins, are highly toxic. They cause cancer, the endocrine disparity in humans upon longer exposure.
3.Airborne bleach by-products reach earth's atmospheric layers as well as Ozone layer contributing to their deterioration
Chlorine bleach is very favorable for its odor and hence widely used to clean garbage, dump yards, water tanks, and water bodies. However, the by-products of chlorine reach the earth's atmosphere in more massive amounts. Promptly reaching the ozone layer, they enhance and catalyze the depletion of the ozone layer. They eventually result in a much hazardous situation like global warming.
The general bleach we use in households does impact us a lot directly and indirectly. However, immediate removal of its usage entirely is highly not possible. Hence, start replacing them one after the other with quick alternatives like hydrogen peroxide, washing soda, or vinegar.