Page 20 - Alpha Tech Pet, Inc. - Distributor Support Binder (April 2013)

BLEACH (sodium hypochlorite)
 Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl-) is a halogen.
 Inexpensive, broad spectrum of activity, works by oxidation, denaturing proteins.
 Household bleach concentrations vary from 2% to 6%. Normally a 1:32 concentration
(about 1600 ppm) is recommended for general disinfection, but levels as high as 1:10 are
recommended for ringworm (microsporum canis) & 1:9 (5600 ppm – 14 oz/gallon as per
EPA label dated 7/19/2010) for TB. Kate Hurley of UC Davis recommends the
following formula for determining correct 1:32 dilutions: 21 divided by the % active = the #
ounces of solution / gallon of water required
 Bleach is significantly inactivated by organic matter, light, and extended storage.
 Because bleach degrades so quickly the EPA requires special labeling language stating
the following: “Degrades with age”
 Because liquid bleach is so unstable it needs to be stabilized by adding lye, a very
corrosive chemical, resulting in a high pH of 11.5. Therefore bleach is very corrosive.
 Because of its instability and quick inactivation, bleach solutions should be discarded
every couple of hours.
 Bleach loses its content continuously from the moment of manufacture, losing up to half
its active by the time of purchase within 60 days of being manufactured.
 When using bleach, pre-cleaning is necessary, and it must remain in contact with surfaces
for 10 to 30 minutes.
 There is no sustained release of active.
 In bleach 2 forms of free chlorine are present in a pH dependant equilibrium. The most
potent of the two is HOCL (hypochlorous acid), found only in trace amounts when a
solution has a pH of 9.0 or higher. Because bleach has a pH of 11.5, not much HOCL is
actually available as a disinfectant. Instead what’s mostly present is the less effective
form of free chlorine OCL- (the hypochlorite ion). Unfortunately the OCL- is 120 times
less effective than HOCL as a disinfectant. This is why bleach has documented failures
in eliminating dangerous pathogens like hepatitis and parvovirus, and it’s also why high
levels and strict controls are required for confidence when using bleach as a disinfectant.
 Bleach is a very potent mucous membrane, tissue, and upper respiratory irritant.
 Bleach should never mix with acids as toxic chlorine gas will be released.
 A movement is gaining momentum where States and Municipalities are moving away
from (discouraging) chlorine use due to the formation of carcinogenic trihalomines and
volatile organic compounds (VOC’s).