"Never Use Bleach Like This" You Could Collapse While Cleaning [Health Issue]

[The Financial News] In an effort to get the bathroom really clean, many people frequently mix several cleaning products. However, this practice can create unexpected and serious dangers.
When certain commonly used cleaners are combined, they can generate toxic gases that are hard to detect with the naked eye. Because these gases are heavier than air, they tend to linger near the bathroom floor, where ventilation is poor, and can have life-threatening effects on the body.

Bleach is considered essential for bathroom cleaning because it easily removes limescale and various stains. The main active ingredient in bleach is sodium hypochlorite. While this ingredient is highly effective at killing harmful bacteria and viruses, it releases chlorine gas when mixed with substances that contain acidic components.
Common acidic cleaners you may have at home include vinegar and citric acid. They are popular because of their strong cleaning power, but when bleach and vinegar are combined, the resulting chlorine gas is extremely toxic. Chlorine gas was even used as a chemical weapon by the Imperial German Army during World War I (WWI).
Chlorine gas produced in this way strongly irritates the eyes, nose, throat, and the entire respiratory tract. Brief exposure to a small amount may cause only temporary discomfort, but higher concentrations or longer exposure can become life-threatening. If you notice decreased vision or a burning sensation in your eyes or throat, you should immediately suspect chlorine gas exposure. Other possible symptoms include chest tightness, shortness of breath, vomiting, and excessive tearing.


You must also never mix rubbing alcohol with bleach. The chemical reaction between these two substances can produce chloroform, a toxic compound that depresses the central nervous system, causing dizziness and even fainting. For this reason, the safest way to use bleach is to dilute it only with cold water, without adding any other chemical products.
You should also be cautious about the habit of cleaning with hot water. At higher temperatures, the components of bleach can react and release small amounts of chlorine gas. A safe way to use bleach is to dilute it properly with cold water at a ratio of 100 to 1.
Avoid spraying bleach with a spray bottle. Fine droplets can disperse into the air and be inhaled into the respiratory tract. This can damage the mucous membranes and, in severe cases, lead to acute lung injury. While cleaning, keep windows open for continuous ventilation, and wear rubber gloves and long-sleeved clothing to prevent skin contact. Do not forget to wear bathroom shoes as well.
If bleach gets on your skin, rinse the area immediately under running water. If it splashes into your eyes, the situation is even more serious. You should go to a hospital without delay for a thorough examination and proper treatment. In particular, if you were exposed to undiluted bleach or a large amount, you must not miss this critical window for care. The longer exposure is left untreated, the higher the risk of permanent vision loss.


hsg@fnnews.com Han Seung-gon Reporter