To understand the dangers of bleach, it’s best to first look at its most common uses. To be specific, bleach is a disinfectant and stain remover. Many people don’t realize this, but bleach isn’t intended to be used as a household cleaner, but rather after washing surfaces to remove any germs that remain. Bleach has been a common household disinfectant for many years. However, the ingredients it contains, in my opinion, do not warrant the potential problems it may pose. Why? The dangers of bleach are amplified when mixed with certain other substances. Sodium Polyacrylate: In the U.S., sodium polyacrylate is considered probably safe, but the Environment Canada Domestic Substance List classifies it as “likely toxic to organ systems.” ( 11 ) It’s used in detergents and bleach to stop dirt from redepositing on fabrics during wash cycles. Pets also routinely get into bleach products, although the statistics on that aren’t as readily available.

Flash Spray Bleach 800ml - Eucalyptus | Household Cleaners Flash Spray Bleach 800ml - Eucalyptus | Household Cleaners

The bottom line here: never treat mold with bleach. Instead, follow OSHA or EPA’s mold guidelines for the best ways to rid your home of toxic mold safely. While it’s possible to keep bleach away from kids and pets, there are still a great number of bleach poisoning incidents every year. Cleaning substances account for about 11.2 percent of poison control cases (totaling 118,346 cases in 2015). ( 36 ) This doesn’t break down into bleach versus other cleaners; however, the World Health Organization lists bleach as one of the top poisoning toxins in the world for children. ( 37 ) Depending on the type of bleach you get, it may or may not contain chlorine. Typically, bleaches either contain an active ingredient of chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) or hydrogen peroxide. Never combine bleach with any other household cleaner, because it might result in the release of a number of types of toxic gases. In particular, avoid using bleach to disinfect your shower, as it can be a factor in the creation of chloroform, a probable carcinogen.Oh, and let’s not forget that about 25 percent of US public drinking water is treated with monochloramines. The boiling point of these chemicals is about 75 degrees Fahrenheit and they can be liberated from water over the course of 24 hours or so, so the water you use to rinse your surfaces might contribute to the formation of chloramine gas as well.

Dangers of Bleach: NEVER Mix It with These 3 Things - Dr. Axe Dangers of Bleach: NEVER Mix It with These 3 Things - Dr. Axe

Despite claims that it’s extremely safe when used properly, bleach continues to be the subject of research for its potential impact on respiratory health, particularly in children. Lemon: In the form of juice or lemon essential oil , this citrus fruit is great for killing bacteria. Just make sure to keep it in glass, not plastic, because the acidity of lemon oil can eat away at plastic. It’s possible for chlorine gas to be absorbed dermally (through the skin) and cause pain, inflammation, blistering and swelling. The acid can burn the skin, eyes, ears, nose, throat and stomach. Disinfecting your shower with chlorinated bleach is one way chlorine might find its way into your shower. In addition, most public water supply systems are treated with chlorine or chloramines to disinfect the water, so running an actual shower likely increases the chlorine content. (Chloramines also interact with organic matter to make chloroform, but not as often as chlorine.)Some sources even suggest that bleach use on porous surfaces can cause mold growth in areas where it wasn’t before. ( 40 )

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If all of the above weren’t enough for you, it turns out that bleach is actually neutralized by dirt until so much of it is used that you chance a great deal of inhalation of the fumes it creates. The WHO explains the way bleach works in this way: Chlorine gas can also cause chemical pneumonitis , a condition identified by coughing, difficulty breathing, the feeling of not being able to get enough air (air hunger), wet/gurgling chest sounds and burning in the chest. Repeated exposures can lead to inflammation and lung stiffness, causing respiratory failure and possibly death. ( 50 )Chlorine poisoning is a definite concern when using bleach products with sodium hydroxide and sodium chloride. This may occur when bleach an ammonia are mixed (more on that in a moment); or if bleach is directly ingested. Symptoms including breathing difficulty, swelling of the throat and many more complications. ( 6 )