2019 Volume 3 Issue 1 Pages 1-7
Chlorine compounds for disinfection and bleaching frequently induce health hazards. Sodium hypochlorite undergoes hydrolysis in water to produce hypochlorous acid, which exerts an antiseptic effect. Hypochlorous acid also erodes metal waste pipes. When mixed with hydrochloric acid used for toilet cleaning or other acidic detergents, hypochlorous acid produces toxic chlorine gas, inhalation of which causes severe respiratory impairments such as pulmonary edema. In order to prevent infection of Legionella pneumophila, sodium hypochlorite may be dissolved in hot-spring water. However, hypochlorous acids react with nitrogen compounds to produce chloramine, which shows little antiseptic effect. Entering chlorinated swimming pools increases the risk of developing asthma and exacerbates allergic diseases. In order to prevent infection of noroviruses, the predominant cause of gastroenteritis outbreaks, it is important to refrain from eating raw foods such as oysters, to exclude infected persons from cooking and putting meals on the table, and to wipe contaminated toilets, door knobs, handrails, and wall switches with a sodium hypochlorite water solution. Vomitous matter and stools should be removed first, and then the floor should be wiped with a paper towel soaked in sodium hypochlorite water solution. Spraying with the solution is not recommended because inhalation of spray from aerosols containing sodium hypochlorite can cause impairment of health. Good hand hygiene is the most important action for preventing norovirus infection. As norovirus shows resistance to alcohol, frequent washing with soap and running water for a minimum of 20 seconds is the most effective method of maintaining good hand hygiene.
