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Cleaning with bleach could create indoor air pollution.

2greys profile image
26 Replies

For generations, people have used chlorine bleach to clean and disinfect their homes. However, researchers have now discovered that bleach fumes, in combination with light and a citrus compound found in many household products, can form airborne particles that might be harmful when inhaled by pets or people. They report their results in ACS’ Environmental Science & Technology.

acs.org/content/acs/en/pres...

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2greys profile image
2greys
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26 Replies
RoadRunner44 profile image
RoadRunner44

How I agree with you. Twogreys. Many people are going back to the days when only natural things were available. Things like vinegar, lemon and bi-carb. These things really work for cleaning purposes and being natural don't cause problems to the environment as well as people with lung problems.

stamford1234 profile image
stamford1234 in reply toRoadRunner44

Absolutely, and they do work. Except when the dish of bicarb jumps out of the fridge onto your feet, how did that happen!

Ergendl profile image
Ergendl

Rarely use bleach, ever since I lived in a house with a septic tank. There are other products that can do a similar job.

soulboy118 profile image
soulboy118

A good hint on the toxic effects of chlorine is that it was used in ww1 as a gas ,

people ask me sometimes what it's like to have copd when you cant breath and your chest feels awful, I always answer, " imagine being stuck in a small room with a very heavy smell of bleach all night and you cant get out of the room " that's what copd does for you ,even when slight pollutants are in the air and pollutants to me means any heavy or strong smells , perfume, cleaning products air fresheners etc .

Once our lungs lose that protective layer we have gone into the twilight zone

Izb1 profile image
Izb1

That is worrying. I do use bleach in the toilets so am now going to investigate and find alternatives x

stamford1234 profile image
stamford1234 in reply toIzb1

A friend's doctor told her not to use bleach in the toilet because of the fumes. The Dr said to use steradent!

watergazer profile image
watergazer in reply tostamford1234

interesting

stamford1234 profile image
stamford1234 in reply towatergazer

I am not sure I would trust it to do a thorough clean all over. I just put toilet duck and shut the lid down and exit quick

watergazer profile image
watergazer in reply tostamford1234

🤣 love the exit quick !!

Izb1 profile image
Izb1 in reply tostamford1234

Think I will try soda crystals with soapy water first as steradent would take far too long. I do use milton for wiping down in the kitchen x

stamford1234 profile image
stamford1234 in reply toIzb1

It's worth a bash. I think you need something with some oomph in hard water areas to get off lime scale - Coca Cola might do it!

megshafer profile image
megshafer in reply toIzb1

I have always hated bleach, I think it was the ruined jeans by accident....Seventh Generation has a natural bowl cleaner....a and Method does too...both are very good. Very little smell if at all, and....non toxic, environmentally friendly,

Meg

Izb1 profile image
Izb1 in reply tomegshafer

Thats worth looking into megshafer, thank you x

stamford1234 profile image
stamford1234

I try to avoid using bleach. Vinegar catches my breath but bi carb is a good, also supermarket own brand cream cleaner doesn't seem to be perfumed. Thanks again2greys for the great research.

Aingeful profile image
Aingeful

I have just come back from the library with a book on natural cleaning. :-)

I have been working to de chemicalise my home for the last couple of years. I like brands like Ecover and Method as well.

I have noticed more non toxic cleaners coming into the shops?

stamford1234 profile image
stamford1234 in reply toAingeful

What's the name of the book. Sounds interesting

Aingeful profile image
Aingeful in reply tostamford1234

It's this one.

Check this out: Natural Home Cleaning: Over 100 ways to clean your home natural... amazon.co.uk/dp/1784882399/...

stamford1234 profile image
stamford1234 in reply toAingeful

Thanks x

stamford1234 profile image
stamford1234 in reply toAingeful

Not surprised you went to the Library - RRP is £15!

Aingeful profile image
Aingeful in reply tostamford1234

Exactly! Why pay for a book when you can borrow it? :-)

I joined the Library at 6 years old and still enjoy a good browse!

stamford1234 profile image
stamford1234 in reply toAingeful

I used to be an avid reader. Spend too much of my time with my head into a screen now - wicked really. But I have become an expert in most everything ha ha ha ha, even cleaning toilets!

megshafer profile image
megshafer in reply toAingeful

Method is really quite good. My favorite is still Seventh Generation...

RoadRunner44 profile image
RoadRunner44 in reply tomegshafer

Can You give me more information on this as I havent heard of it? I am very aware of all pollutants which affect the environment and how they affect our lungs. I believe we should all try our best to use natural cleaners now. The evidence is there for all to see.

megshafer profile image
megshafer in reply toRoadRunner44

I purchase Seventh Generation Products at Target. I believe Amazon has them, too. I buy the free and clear products. They have no smell what so ever, are environmental friendly.

RoadRunner44 profile image
RoadRunner44 in reply tomegshafer

Just going on line to Amazon. Thanks megshafer. Chrys

Azure_Sky profile image
Azure_Sky

That doesn’t surprise me at all. I cannot go to a swimming pool containing Chorine. It makes me cough and my eyes water painfully.

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