Deadly Risks When Mixing Bleach and Cleaning Agents
Expert: "Bleach Not Recommended for Household Cleaning"
There has been a warning that using bleach and cleaning agents together in an attempt to remove stubborn bathroom grime in one go is a "habit that can lead to death." Experts point out that this combination causes a deadly chemical reaction, producing a poisonous gas that was used as a weapon during World War I.
Mixing bleach with a cleaning agent or an acidic cleaner (such as vinegar or citric acid) produces chlorine gas, which is highly toxic. Choi Eunjeong, a science education professor at Ewha Womans University, recently appeared on the YouTube channel "Doctor Friend" and warned, "The problem with bleach is that it generates chlorine gas," adding, "Mixing bathroom cleaners or detergents with bleach is extremely dangerous."
She explained, "Chlorine gas is the same substance as the poisonous gas used as a weapon during World War I," and noted, "There was also a case in Japan where a housewife died after mixing a cleaning agent with bleach while cleaning."
Simply wearing a mask is also ineffective. Dr. Choi explained, "Chlorine gas particles are so small that even a KF-94 mask cannot filter them out."
The strong alkalinity of bleach itself is also a risk factor. Dr. Choi shared her own experience, saying, "While preparing for a broadcast experiment, I was exposed for a long time and was diagnosed with chemical pneumonia," and added, "Gas that penetrates deep into the alveoli does not dissipate easily, and there is no suitable medication, so I suffered a lot."
Bleach also has a powerful protein-dissolving effect. She said, "If you soak hair in bleach, it dissolves in just 15 minutes," and noted that even so-called "mild mold removers" sold on the market are essentially the same as bleach, as their main ingredient is sodium hypochlorite.
Regarding cleaners labeled as "safe because they are made from salt," she pointed out, "Sodium hypochlorite is a completely different substance from salt," and emphasized, "Just because it contains sodium does not mean it is safe."
"You Can Clean Thoroughly Without Bleach"... Safe Cleaning Methods
As alternatives, she advised dissolving sodium percarbonate in water at 50-60 degrees Celsius or mixing a small amount of toothpaste to create a polishing effect, both of which can help remove stubborn grime. She also recommended that dishcloths can be sufficiently disinfected by wetting them and microwaving for 30 seconds to 1 minute, and that limescale on showerheads can be safely removed with a citric acid solution instead of bleach. She added that baking soda is best used for regular maintenance rather than for removing heavy grime.
Dr. Choi said, "I do not recommend using bleach at home," and added, "Unless it is for infection control in places like group cafeterias, thorough cleaning is possible without bleach." She reiterated, "Repeated exposure to bleach increases the risk of lung damage," and strongly emphasized, "Mixing bleach and cleaning agents is absolutely forbidden."
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