Be Careful When Using Bleach to Clean: Here’s Why

One factor that has always intrigued me is that many people over time convince themselves to switch to using green cleaning products, but they are adamant about using ammonia and bleach , they are unable to replace them. These two substances are considered real “must haves”, products that can never be missing, the ideal allies against dirt and their use on floors, surfaces, sanitary ware and laundry is really widespread throughout the country and beyond. Perhaps because they are associated with the idea of ​​cleanliness and perfect hygiene. They can be defined as a true tradition, which is transmitted from generation to generation.

This is confirmed by a very famous industrial chemist, as well as the founder of an equally famous portal, who states that the concept of whiteness and cleanliness is as if it were a psychological mechanism typical of Italians at least since the 1950s; suffice it to say that we are the biggest consumers of ammonium salt products. Too bad that these deeply rooted ideas are harmful, not only for our health, but also for the environment because of the great pollution they produce. Moreover, many are unaware that ammonia and bleach are not only among the most common substances but also among the most harmful, and we have no real justification for using them.

To better understand each other, sodium hypochlorite is the active ingredient of bleach, among its capacities and uses we can mention for example the fact of sanitizing water or that of disinfecting fruits and vegetables. But all this is due and justified in poorer countries like Africa, but in our society we have the opposite problem, that is, we disinfect too much, and so, therefore, our children are unable to develop good immune defences. In short, it is clear that these products should only be used in rare cases. As mentioned earlier, bleach is toxic by inhalation, in fact, prolonged exposure can cause irritation of the eyes, mouth, asthma and even serious respiratory problems.

When handling bleach, special care should be taken with children, as it is believed to weaken their immune system and set the stage for infections such as tonsillitis, sinusitis, ear infections and even pneumonia. In addition it is also very corrosive, it can damage steel, not to mention what it can do in contact with the skin. Fortunately, there are less harmful alternatives on the market, such as mild bleach, made with hydrogen peroxide. It manages to disinfect and whiten in the same way, like classic bleach but without polluting.