ENVIRONEMENTAL IMPACT OF HOUSEHOLD BLEACH

The active ingredient in bleach, sodium hypochlorite can react violently with metals and is somewhat reactive with oxidizing agents, reducing agents, acids, alkalis, and moisture.  It is a 2 on the Wilson risk scale for reactivity.  It can also react with some organic chemicals found in the environment, to produce volatile organic compounds, VOC's. VOC's reduce air quality and are harmful to living things in high concentrations.  It production also effects the air quality as, dioxins and mercury are released into the air.  Also, if bleach is released into rivers or other water ways, it has the potential to harm fish and other marine life.  Bleach is extremely toxic to fish, even in small amounts.  However, it does break down when exposed to sewage and does get removed by water treatment systems.  But, bleach that goes down storm drains usually does not get treated, it usually goes directly into water systems. Household bleach poses a danger to the environment, it can create VOC's,  harm marine life, and release dioxin into the air.