Chlorine bleach is the most common product in many households. Unfortunately, people don’t realize how dangerous chlorine-based bleach can be, especially when mixed with several other cleaning products. In fact, it’s so toxic that has resulted in a number of death. Exposure to chlorine bleach is especially dangerous to children and pets as their lungs are much smaller and their immune systems cannot fight off these foreign to their bodies chemicals.
One by-product of chlorine mixed with other cleaning supplies can be dioxin. Dioxins do not break down and stay in the air we breath for years. This can affect the nervous system, immune system, respiratory system. It can cause cancer, allergies, asthma, autism and more.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found dioxin to be 300,000 times stronger as a carcinogen than DDT.
When bleach is mixed with ammonia and acids (like vinegar and scouring products), toxic gases called chloramines are formed. And especially, it’s extremely dangerous to use bleach in the bathroom as our urine contains ammonia.
Exposure to chloramine gases can lead to
- Watery eyes.
- Chest pain.
- Irritation to the throat, nose, and eyes.
- Pneumonia
- Shortness of breath.
Furthermore, combining chlorine with dish soap creates mustard gas, the same gas used to kill many people during World War I. Bleach is deadly. It is as simple as that.
What should we use instead?
Instead of using toxic chlorine bleach, we can start incorporating natural alternatives such as lemon juice, lemon essential oil, vinegar and hydrogen peroxide.
According to the CDC, household (3 percent) hydrogen peroxide is effective in deactivating rhinovirus, the virus that causes the common cold, within 6 to 8 minutes of exposure. Rhinovirus is more difficult to destroy than coronaviruses, so hydrogen peroxide should be able to break down the coronavirus in less time.
DIY, non-toxic and budget-friendly!
THE BEST BLEACH ALTERNATIVE
12 cups water
1/4 cup lemon juice (or white vinegar)
1 cup hydrogen peroxide
Instructions
- Mix the ingredients together.
- Use it as a household cleaner or you can add 2 cups per wash load