Bleaching Agents: A Review of Their Utilization and Management

Deepali Kulkarni, Dipika Jaspal (), Nilisha Itankar, Petros Petrounias, Aikaterini Rogkala and Paraskevi Lampropoulou
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Deepali Kulkarni: Department of Applied Science, Symbiosis Institute of Technology (SIT), Symbiosis International (Deemed University) (SIU), Lavale, Pune 412115, Maharashtra, India
Dipika Jaspal: Department of Applied Science, Symbiosis Institute of Technology (SIT), Symbiosis International (Deemed University) (SIU), Lavale, Pune 412115, Maharashtra, India
Nilisha Itankar: Department of Applied Science, Symbiosis Institute of Technology (SIT), Symbiosis International (Deemed University) (SIU), Lavale, Pune 412115, Maharashtra, India
Petros Petrounias: Section of Earth Materials, Department of Geology, University of Patras, 265 04 Patras, Greece
Aikaterini Rogkala: Section of Earth Materials, Department of Geology, University of Patras, 265 04 Patras, Greece
Paraskevi Lampropoulou: Section of Earth Materials, Department of Geology, University of Patras, 265 04 Patras, Greece

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 20, 1-13

Abstract: Exposure to disinfectants, cleansers, and bleaching chemicals irritates the eyes, respiratory systems, and skin, triggering asthma and allergic rhinitis symptoms. Bleach, as the major constituent of cleansers, when used improperly or mixed with other indoor cleaning agents, produces harmful halogenated volatile organic compounds. This manuscript assesses the influence of excessive exposure to disinfectants, including bleaching agents, when used against infectious conditions related to SARS-COVID-19 and its management. The use and impact of different bleaching agents in cleansing and their associated problems have been analyzed and presented in this review. This analysis focuses on the conventional and post-pandemic approach towards bleaches. Usage of bleaching agents increased by a staggering 20.4% and 16.4% from January to March 2020 compared to the same period in 2018 and 2019. Mounting use of bleaching agents during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in negative health effects like asthma, eye irritation, and skin allergies. An approximately 42% rise in poisoning cases, including a few deaths, has been associated with exposure to harmful chemicals involving bleaches during the recent pandemic. Bleaching agents are the primary sources of hazardous indoor pollutants; therefore, despite their importance in disinfection, their utility must be substantiated based on legal guidelines, disposal, and remedial measures. Thus, conducting future occupational exposure assessment studies for bleach hazard management is crucial.

Keywords: bleaches; hypochlorite; VOC; pandemic; disinfection (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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