Bleach Is Risky for Your Health — It’s Time to Switch to Safer Alternatives

Highlights

Common risks of bleach – Even diluted, bleach can irritate eyes, skin, and lungs, with Health Canada documenting home injuries such as burns and breathing issues.
Dangerous chemical reactions – Mixing bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or acidic cleaners can release toxic chlorine or chloramine gas, leading to severe lung injury or death.
Respiratory concerns – Frequent use raises indoor VOCs like chloroform, linked to asthma, lung irritation, and long-term respiratory harm.
Accidental poisonings – Children are at high risk from bleach ingestion or splash exposure, which can cause chemical burns, tissue damage, and hospital visits.
Safer alternative available – Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) spray, naturally produced by the body, kills 99.9% of germs without toxic fumes or residues, and is Health Canada–approved.
Better everyday choice – CleanSmart’s HOCl products offer powerful disinfection for homes, schools, and workplaces—safe around kids, pets, and sensitive environments.

Why Bleach Is a Hazard, Not a Hero

Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is widely used for disinfecting and whitening. But even diluted, it can irritate skin, eyes, and airways. Health Canada has confirmed many cases of home injuries from bleach misuse, including chemical burns and breathing issues.

Toxic Gases? Never Mix Bleach with Other Cleaners

When bleach is mixed with vinegar, ammonia, or acidic cleaners, it can create chlorine or chloramine gas. These fumes can cause severe lung injury—or even death. Poison control centres have reported incidents where people accidentally created these gases while cleaning bathrooms, kitchens, or floors.

Frequent Use Can Trigger Respiratory Issues

Studies show that repeated bleach use may increase indoor levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including chloroform and other byproducts. These chemicals have been linked to higher rates of asthma, irritation of the lungs, and long-term respiratory problems.

Accidental Ingestion and Skin Damage

Bleach can damage sensitive tissues if ingested or touched. Children are especially vulnerable—medical reports have shown numerous accidental poisonings from bleach ingestion. Even splash exposure to the eyes or mouth can lead to chemical burns or inflammation.

A Gentle, Powerful Alternative: Hypochlorous Acid Spray

Fortunately, hypochlorous acid spray (HOCl) offers germ-killing power without the harsh side effects of bleach. HOCl is a substance your body naturally produces to fight off infection. CleanSmart Canada’s HOCl-based products are Health Canada–approved and kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses—without leaving behind toxic fumes or chemical residue.
They’re ideal for homes, workplaces, and schools—especially in spaces used by children, pets, or people with sensitivities.

Transitioning Away from Bleach

Stop mixing bleach with other cleaning products, especially ammonia or vinegar.
Use gloves, eye protection, and good ventilation if you must use bleach.
Rinse surfaces thoroughly after disinfecting, especially food-contact areas.
Switch to safer, ready-to-use alternatives like those in our Kitchen & Bath Collection and Other Hypochlorous Acid Collection.

Sources

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