May 2, 2020

Bleach: 3 tips on how to use it safely


Bleach: 3 tips on how to use it safely

Bleach is a disinfectant molecule that cannot be used pure: it is necessary to dilute the product in water before using it on floors and domestic surfaces: worktops, tables... But beware, as effective against coronavirus, bleach (which is bactericidal, virucidal and fungicidal) can be dangerous if it is misused. Here are the advices to respect for a safe use:

BLEACH MUST BE DILUTED.
Dilution (for bleach with 2.6% active chlorine, it says so on the label) follows a 1:4 rule: in a 1 L pail of water, 250 mL of bleach will be diluted. And a 1 L bottle of bleach will make 4 L of disinfectant.

BLEACH REQUIRES PROTECTION
When used in the home, bleach must be protected with special precautions: wear gloves and (if possible) goggles, remember to air the room well, and remember to rinse the cleaned surfaces well, especially if they come into contact with food - for example, when cleaning the fridge or worktop.

Caution: Bleach can only be used alone - do not mix with potentially disastrous health consequences!

The worst idea? Mixing bleach + white vinegar results in toxic fumes that are harmful to the lungs.

BLEACH: EMERGENCY MEASURES TO BE AWARE OF
In case of toxic fumes (e.g. after mixing bleach + vinegar), ventilate the room, move away, rest, and call the nearest Poison Control Centre.
If bleach is swallowed, call the nearest Poison Control Centre: do not make the person vomit!
If bleach gets in your eyes or on your skin, wash with plenty of clean water for 10 minutes - no less. Watch and consult a doctor immediately if the burning sensation persists.
One last piece of advice? Keep your bleach bottle out of the reach of children and remember to label the bottle correctly so as not to confuse them!


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