ProsAs you can see in the Usage page, sodium hypochlorite can come in handy for many things. It performs so many functions, and in a way it makes human life easier.
It's very good at cleaning. It could remove most or all of the stains on a white cloth. Since it's very good at cleaning, it's used in public pools as well to keep it sanitized no matter how many people occupy it. (Vassilev, 2009) Bleach is also good at getting rid of bacteria, that's why it's added in swimming pools. It could also kill viruses and prevent illnesses to spread. It's one of the best ways to get rid of bacteria and it helps us stay healthy and sanitary.
(Vassilev, 2009) Sodium hypochlorite can also make darker colours lighter. You can do amazing projects with bleach in your own cozy home. For example, you can dye dark pieces of clothing to make it lighter if you want, or even tie-dye it. You can renovate your own items with bleach and create new items that you can use again. It can dye your hair as well to make it lighter. People with very dark hair such as black has difficulty dyeing it to a very light colour such as blonde. That's why people can use bleach to quicken the process and get the light colour they want easily. (Vassilev, 2009) You can see that process in the video below. |
ConsSodium Hypochlorite may be a very useful compound, but it has negative factors that need to come into consideration when used.
First of all, it is an extreme health hazard. If you drink it, there may be burns on your mouth or throat. You can also feel an irritation, feel sick, or vomit. ("Health Protection Agency", 2007) Also, it isn't compatible with acidic or alkaline solutions, because if it's mixed with sodium hydrochloride; it can create chlorine gas which is very dangerous. Chlorine gas can; burn your throat and lungs, irritate your eyes and nose, make it harder for you to breathe, and coughing. If the chlorine gas is even worse, it could cause for your breathing to stop. ("Health Protection Agency", 2007) It could also give you blisters and make your skin feel like it's burning. Chloramine compounds can also negatively interrupt your respiratory system like chlorine gas and this compound could be made if sodium hypochloride and ammonia-based solutions are mixed. You may be able to tell if sodium hypochloride is having an effect on you but it may also take several hours for it to show. ("Health Protection Agency", 2007) Bleach can also cause other objects to become more combustible, which means they can catch on fire or burn more easily. For example, it could make wood, paper or oil catch on fire. Bleach itself isn't flammable but because it can become so reactive with other substances, it's considered a fire hazard. ("NJ Health", 2000) |