Question

What are the Hazards of Sodium Hypochlorite?

Answer 1

• Sodium Hypochlorite ($\mathrm{NaOCl}$ or $\mathrm{NaClO}$) is a chemical compound having Sodium cation (${\mathrm{Na}}^{+}$) and Hypochlorite anion (${\mathrm{OCl}}^{-}$).
• It is a yellow or green liquid with a strong odor of Chlorine.

Sodium Hypochlorite is harmful to humans, the environment, and natural lives. Therefore, the following are the hazards of Sodium Hypochlorite -

1. Inhalation:

1. Inhaling Sodium Hypochlorite irritates the nose, throat, and lungs that cause headache, nausea, and vomiting.
2. Inhalation causes lung infections, coughing, and shortening of breath.
3. Higher exposure may cause Pulmonary Edema ( filling of fluid in lungs) which causes shortening of breath.

2. Skin and Eye Contact:

1. Direct contact with Sodium Hypochlorite can cause irritation and burning of the skin causing rashes and blisters.
2. It causes irritation and burning of the eyes which also causes the damage to eyes.
3. It can also causes prompting and ulcer.

3. Ingestion:

1. Ingestion of Sodium Hypochlorite leads to injury of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT).
2. Household bleaches may irritate the oesophageal which leads to injury and destruction of tissues.
3. Metabolic toxicity can occur after ingestion of Sodium Hypochlorite.

4. In Swimming Pools:

1. Sodium Hypochlorite concentration in swimming pools is not safe for individuals. When there is an excess of Chlorine in water then it causes burning of body tissues which causes damage to the body tissues.
2. It may cause redness in the eyes and an irritating smell of Chlorine in swimming pools.
3. When there is urea(due to sweat and urines) it reacts with Hypochlorous acid to form Chloramines. These Chloramines can disturb the mucous film and causes an irritating Chlorine smell

5. Aquatic Organisms:

I. Chlorine disinfectant in wastewater when reacts with organic matter causes the formation of Chlorine compounds which causes toxicity and are toxic for aquatic animals.