Sodium hypochlorite

Have a sneeze? Use some sodium hypochlorite!

Tired of having an itchy nose with the constant sneezing?

Bleach Bottle, ClipArt Library

Your doctor telling you that your allergic to something called dust?

Worried that you might get asthma like your older brother?

Well have no fear; some good old bleach is here!!

Being allergic to almost everything in the house can be a pain because the home is where the heart is... not the pile of tissues! Studies have found that using bleach (sodium hypochlorite) as a disinfectant in the house can actually cure/calm many indoor allergies, while protecting against asthma and eczema¹. But how can a simple white bottle sitting under that kitchen sink be so important? Let me explain! 

In 1785, a famous chemist known as Claude Berthollet created a wondrous chemical known as sodium hypochlorite; commonly known as bleach ². He did this by mixing together chlorine gas with sodium hydroxide³. Initially this yellow tinted liquid was invented to fade out colours; but today we use bleach for other things such as a disinfectant. Sodium hypochlorite can be used as a disinfectant in swimming pools, antibacterial sprays, for nerve agent neutralization and at home³! 

Dust Bunny, ClipArt Library

The bleach found at home has a lower concentration (4-7%) of sodium hypochlorite in it³. This is because a higher dosage is not needed in order to effectively clean our homes! Our household bleach doesn’t just clean up dust, dirt and mold, but also kills some dangerous bacteria that can cause various infections³. Studies have found that families who clean their house with bleach have reported to catch less colds and flus⁴! They have also uncovered reduced risks of catching hay fever, calming down asthma attacks and eczema flares⁴.

Now with all good things there are always precautions. Don’t go too crazy cleaning your house with bleach, stay with the recommended amount that is 2-3 times a week⁴. As we know bleach is corrosive therefore it is essential to wear gloves when using this chemical! Don’t try to inhale it because that can cause many respiratory problems (something we are trying to prevent)⁵. Also, it is important to note bleach is meant for disinfecting surfaces, drinking it is a definite no as it can eat away your insides⁵.Bleach should never be mixed with other cleaning detergents because it can create dangerous chlorine gas!

Always remember it is still a chemical therefore needs to be handled safely. As long as the precautions are met, bleach is a great way to disinfect your house while keeping you healthy all year long!! 

References:

¹ Nickmilder,M., Carbonnele,S. and Bernard,A. (2007). House Cleaning with chlorine bleach and the risks of allergiv and respiratory diseases in children. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 18:27-35. doi:10.1111/j.1399-3038.2006.00487.x

²Claude-LouisBerthollet. (n.d.). In Encyclopeaedia Britannica online. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Claude-Louis-Berthollet

³Disinfectants Sodium hypochlorite. Lenntech.Retrieved from https://www.lenntech.com/processes/disinfection/chemical/disinfectants-sodium-hypochlorite.htm

⁴Zock,J., Medicinska och farmaceutiska vetenskapsomradet, Uppasala universitet, Medicinska fakulteten, Institutionen for medicinska vetenskaper, & Arbets- och miljomedicin. (2009). Domestic use of hypochlorite bleach, atopic sensitization, and respiratory symptions in adults. J Allergy Clin Immunol, 124(4), 731-738.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2009.06.007
⁵Sodium Hypochlorite, 5%; MSDS No. SLS1654;ScienceLab.com: Houston, Texas. Retrieved from https://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9925000