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Disinfectants / Covid19 freak out.

Updated: Aug 4

Household bleach contains the same base chemical as pool chlorine. That chemical is, of course, chlorine, and the only major difference between the two products is the concentration strength.

Household bleach is usually a 6% concentration (although some of the cheaper stuff is 3%), while pool chlorine can typically be found in strength between 10% and 12%. All of this is sodium hypochlorite, and works the same in sanitizing. Pool chlorine typically contains some form of stabilizer, as well, though this is not a crucial factor, when looking at its disinfectant properties.

So as many of those panic people fight and clear the shelves of household disinfectants, at grocery and hardware stores, and in actuality put themselves in higher risk due to masses and hysteria, I am sure you won’t find any long lines at your local pool supply.

So here are some more fun tips:

Summer is right around the corner and many stores are already stocking up on summer items, Dollar Store, Big Lots, Dollar General, so find yourself a nice handheld mister or misting bottle, then;

Add one part of the chlorine solution to each 100 parts of water you are treating. This is about the same as adding 1 pint (16 ounces) of the chlorine solution to 12.5 gallons of water.

Use it to clean surfaces and hands etc. Do I have to tell you not to spray in your eyes or mouth? Ok just did.

Also, when it comes to hand wipes and hand sanitizers. Well let’s not argue , they are convenient, but washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water is still the best.

The world Health Organization studied the use of sodium hypochlorite (Chlorine) for disinfecting hands during the Ebola virus outbreaks;

15 out of 69 weak or moderate irritant reaction- at 2% Sodium hypochlorite

2 out of 40 positive reaction 1%

20 out of 20 no reaction 0.5-1 %

3 out of 225 positive reaction 0.5%

2 out of 20 reaction to 0.3%

So it does warn that allergic reactions and dermatitis was observed with some subjects and also warns against fumes and asthmatic reactions for those who are sensitive to this or have preexisting conditions. But ultimately as you can see it breaks down to diluting percentage. And they do return to previous statement a good hand washing is still the best.

So in conclusion; Properly dilute in water, use gloves when cleaning surfaces, be careful check it won’t cause damage,(discoloration) of a surface, small sample area. Use in open areas, open the windows etc. so fumes don’t become an issue and if ultimately you feel the need to use on yourself be careful of skin reactions.




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