Sodium hypochlorite (bleach)
Sodium hypochlorite is a clear, slightly yellowish liquid. A 3% - 6% concentration of sodium hypochlorite is found in the typical household bleach. Calcium hypochlorite is a white solid.
Uses: disinfectant, anti bacteria, bleaching agent (laundry), chlorination of water (about a 12% solution) both drinking and swimming pool water.
Found in: all purpose cleaners, laundry detergent, disinfectants, swimming pool, and municipal drinking water.
Effects: Acute: highly corrosive to skin and membranes, breathing difficulties, pain in mouth, nose, and throat, damage to air tracts, the stomach and the intestines, the eyes and the skin. Damage to the nervous system and circulatory system. Chronic: causes skin sensitivity.
**Most of the bleach breaks down to salt water, however, small amounts of organochlorines are formed each time it is used. When mixed with hot water, dioxin is formed.**
