According to Viseslav Tonkovic-Capin, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist and the editor of DermBoard , this is because sodium hypochlorite oxidizes or burns the protective membranes of bacteria and the protein shell of viruses, leaving them vulnerable to destruction.
Cleaning hard surfaces with bleach can prevent the spread of infections, Nazarian says. This is because bleach can effectively eliminate pathogens that live on surfaces and can be transferred by hand to your mouth or nose and gain access to your system.
For example, influenza can live on surfaces for 24 to 48 hours and COVID can survive for up to 72 hours, depending on the surface, says Nazarian. Bleach drastically decreases this possibility. But after wiping nonporous surfaces, you must be sure to let the bleach sit on the surface for 10 minutes or more to assure proper disinfection. Before using bleach, make sure the surface you are cleaning can handle a disinfectant.
For example, bleach should not be used on wood floors or painted surfaces. But bleach is fine to use on most kitchen counters, bathroom sinks, or even other frequently-touched surfaces such as door handles and faucets.
To sanitize surfaces with unscented household bleach, the CDC recommends mixing together one cup of bleach and five gallons of water. Here's how to do it:. Disinfecting to reduce the spread of diseases at home is likely not needed unless someone in your home is sick or if someone sick has recently visited.
If you choose to disinfect surfaces and household disinfectants are not available, you can make a bleach solution to use on many surfaces in your home.
This solution will be effective at killing germs when properly diluted. First, clean visibly dirty surfaces with household cleaners containing soap or detergent before disinfecting with household bleach. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link.
Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Cleaning and Disinfecting With Bleach and Water. Minus Related Pages. Scientists also believe that the hypochlorous acid that forms when sodium hypochlorite is added to water can break down the cell walls of some germs [source: Lenntech ].
The hypochlorous acid also seems to be able to cause certain proteins to build up in bacteria, making their cells unable to function [source: Winter ]. Non-chlorine bleaches that are oxidizing agents can also act as disinfectants on some surfaces, but they are less potent than chlorine bleach. Chlorine bleach, when used properly, is a practical and effective disinfectant.
Since chlorine bleach is a strong oxidizing agent, it's hazardous if not used properly. You should never mix chlorine bleach with any other household product, because it can react to form very hazardous substances. For example, mixing chlorine bleach with ammonia or vinegar can release poisonous chlorine gas. Cleaning and disinfecting products that aren't called "bleach" may also contain sodium hypochlorite as one of their active ingredients, so you should always read the label before using a cleaning product.
If you are using bleach to disinfect household surfaces, make sure the area is well ventilated and do not inhale any fumes. Fumes from chlorine bleach can cause coughing, sore throat and airway irritation, and it can also irritate the eyes. Keep chlorine bleach from coming into contact with your skin, since it can cause redness and irritation, especially after repeated exposures. If bleach gets in your eyes , rinse them immediately and call your doctor.
Ingestion of chlorine bleach can be very dangerous, especially to children. If you or your child accidentally swallow bleach, don't induce vomiting, and call the Poison Control Center immediately at [source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry ]. When using chlorine bleach for laundry or cleaning, you should dilute it. Certain fabrics, such as mohair, wool, silk and Spandex will be damaged by chlorine bleach, so always read the clothing label before bleaching.
For colored garments, you can use a "bleachability test" on a non-visible, colored part of the garment. Wait one minute, blot with a towel and check for any color change. For disinfecting clothes, pre-soaking with chlorine bleach and washing in hot water with chlorine bleach is effective, but washing with non-chlorine bleach is not adequate, because active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide aren't powerful enough to disinfect laundry.
For disinfecting dishes or hard surfaces, use a solution of one tablespoon of chlorine bleach mixed with one gallon of water [source: The Clorox Company ].
The Environmental Protection Agency EPA has evaluated multiple scientific studies on the effects of chlorinated drinking water, and the organization's found no evidence of risk for cancer , reproductive problems or birth defects [source: Environmental Protection Agency ]. The European Commission EC also determined that the most common sources of exposure to chlorine bleach is through skin contact when using bleach for cleaning at home or through ingestion of chlorinated drinking water.
Swallowing small amounts of swimming pool water may also be a risk, but there is no significant indirect exposure through the environment. According to the Centers for Disease Control's Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, when sodium hypochlorite is released into the air, it's broken down by sunlight and natural substances in the environment.
Sodium hypochlorite does not accumulate in the food chain like some substances do, such as mercury. When sodium hypochlorite gets into water or soil, it breaks down into the ions sodium, calcium, and hypochlorite; these ions can potentially react with other substances in water, but the possible effects are not known [source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry ].
In other health issues, bleach may help out. A recent study published in the journal Pediatrics found some improvement in children's eczema after bathing them with a diluted bleach solution; because all of the children in the study also had signs of a secondary bacterial skin infection, however, it's difficult to say whether the bleach helped the eczema or simply killed the infection and helped the skin to heal [source: Huang ]. When it's used properly, chlorine bleach can make your kitchen cleaner and your white clothes whiter.
If bleach gets into the eyes, immediately rinse with water for at least 15 minutes and consult a doctor. Bleach should not be used together or mixed with other household detergents as this reduces its effectiveness in disinfection and causes chemical reactions.
For instance, a toxic gas is produced when bleach is mixed with acidic detergents such as those used for toilet cleaning. This could result in accidents and injuries. If necessary, use detergents first and rinse thoroughly with water before using bleach for disinfection.
As undiluted bleach liberates a toxic gas when exposed to sunlight, it should be stored in a cool and shaded place out of reach of children. Sodium hypochlorite decomposes with time.
0コメント