Chlorine bleach is a powerful cleaner that is very effective in killing germs like viruses, bacteria, and fungi. But it's also one of the most toxic chemicals found in homes. When you use bleach to clean surfaces, it leaves a residue that travels into your home's air that you breathe, affecting your lungs and getting absorbed through your skin, warned Ellen Kamhi, Ph.D.
"Chlorine is extremely dangerous and was used during World War I as a choking agent," she said. "The active ingredient in bleach, sodium hypochlorite, is incredibly corrosive and capable of causing irritation, pain, and blistering if it comes into contact with your skin. It's also potentially dangerous when inhaled."
Kamhi, the author "The Natural Medicine Chest," pointed out that if you mix chlorine with ammonia, you create chlorine gas — which can be deadly.
She suggested hydrogen peroxide, in the 3% strength solution sold in drug stores, as a good alternative to using bleach.
"While hydrogen peroxide is antibacterial and also capable of killing viruses, its downside is that it doesn't work instantly," she warned. "To get the full disinfection effects, you'll need to leave the peroxide on whatever surface you are sanitizing for varying lengths of time."
Hydrogen peroxide can be used to whiten laundry and disinfect your dishes in the dishwasher, while it can also be diluted as a wash for fruits and vegetables. People can even put it on their toothbrush to clean and brighten teeth — as long as they rinse well, said the expert.
Kamhi said several other commercial cleaning agents may also be risky, as they may contain harsh cleaning chemicals like ammonia and alcohol.
Samara Geller, a senior research and database analyst at the Environmental Working Group (EWG), told Newsmax:
"Sodium hypochlorite, found in everyday chlorine laundry bleach, but also in a large market share of disinfecting sprays, wipes, and more, is one of the most frequent culprits for calls to poison control centers. Bleach can harm the respiratory tract, burn the skin, and splash into the eyes to cause serious eye damage.
"Improper mixing of sodium hypochlorite with acids, or other cleaners, can produce hazardous gases that can quickly overwhelm, or even kill."
The EWG published a list of 16 safe and effective cleaners to fight the coronavirus.
Geller recommends following these tips:
- Read labels carefully, including all directions and warnings, and apply the product as directed.
- Wear gloves and other personal protective equipment as directed.
- Ventilate the area while cleaning.
- Never mix cleaning products and disinfectants.
- Focus on surfaces you come into frequent contact with, like doorknobs, handrails, faucets, and light switches.