Epochem Sodium Hypochlorite Disinfectant Best use

The Word Health Organization WHO have advised and made it very loud that:

You can protect yourself and help prevent spreading the virus to others if you

1. Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub
2. Cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or flexed elbow when you cough or sneeze
3. Avoid close contact (1 meter or 3 feet) with people who are unwell
4. Stay home and self-isolate from others in the household if you feel unwell
5. Don't Touch your eyes, nose, or mouth if your hands are not clean

In these trying times of Coronavirus pandemic, disinfectants are evidently important and yes Sodium hypochlorite is effective in fighting the coronavirus. It is one of the recommended chemicals to be used for disinfecting environment against the virus. It is important to be educated on the detailed disinfection guidance by the CDC

Disinfectants are antimicrobial agents designed to inactivate or destroy microorganisms on inert surfaces. Disinfectants are different from other antimicrobial agents such as antibiotics, which destroy microorganisms within the body and antiseptics which destroy microorganisms on living tissue. Disinfectants are also different from biocides — the latter are intended to destroy all forms of life, not just microorganisms. Disinfectants work by destroying the cell wall of microbes or interfering with their metabolism.

EPA approved List of Antimicrobial products against SARS-COV-2

Sodium hypochlorite, commonly known as bleach, is most frequently used as a disinfecting agent. On March 3, the EPA released a list of antimicrobial products for use against SARS-CoV-2, under an emerging viral pathogens program developed for just this kind of scenario.

Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is a compound that can be effectively used for water purification. It is used on a large scale for surface purification, bleaching, odor removal and water disinfection.

Sodium hypochlorite in 0.5% w/v solution is called Dakin's solution, and is used as an antiseptic to clean infected topical wounds. It appears as colorless or slightly yellow watery liquid with an odor of household bleach.

Epochem Sodium Hypochlorite

Characteristics of Sodium Hypochlorite

• Sodium hypochlorite is a clear, slightly yellowish solution with a characteristic odor.
• Sodium hypochlorite has a relative density of is 1,1 (5.5% watery solution).
• As a bleaching agent for domestic use it usually contains 5% sodium hypochlorite (with a pH of around 11, it is irritating). If it is more concentrated, as it contains a concentration of 10-15% sodium hypochlorite (with a pH of around 13, it burns and is corrosive).
• Sodium hypochlorite is unstable.
• Chlorine evaporates at a rate of 0.75-gram.
• Sodium hypochlorite is a strong oxidizer and reacts with flammable compounds and reductors.
• Sodium hypochlorite solution is a weak base that is inflammable.

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Applications of sodium hypochlorite?

• Sodium hypochlorite is used on a large scale. For example, in agriculture, chemical industries, paint- and lime industries, food industries, glass industries, paper industries, pharmaceutical industries, synthetics industries and waste disposal industries.
• In the textile industry, sodium hypochlorite is used to bleach textile.
• It is sometimes added to industrial waste water. This is done to reduce odors.
• Hypochlorite neutralizes Sulphur hydrogen gas (SH) and ammonia (NH3). It is also used to detoxify cyanide baths in metal industries.
• Hypochlorite can be used to prevent algae and shellfish growth in cooling towers.
• In water treatment, hypochlorite is used to disinfect water.
• In households, hypochlorite is used frequently for the purification and disinfection of the house.

How does sodium hypochlorite disinfection work?

• By adding hypochlorite to water, hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is formed
• Hypochlorous acid is divided into hydrochloric acid (HCl) and oxygen (O). The oxygen atom is a very strong oxidator.
• Sodium hypochlorite is effective against bacteria, viruses and fungi.
• Sodium hypochlorite disinfects the same way as chlorine does.

How is sodium hypochlorite applied in swimming pools?

Sodium hypochlorite is applied in swimming pools for water disinfection and oxidation. It has the advantage that microorganisms cannot build up any resistance to it. Sodium hypochlorite is effective against Legionella bacteria and biofilm, in which Legionella bacteria can multiply.

Hypochlorous acid is produced by the reaction of sodium hydroxide with chlorine gas. In water, the so-called 'active chlorine' is formed.

There are various ways to use sodium hypochlorite. For on-site salt electrolysis, a solution of salt (NaCl) in water is applied. Sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-) ions are produced.

What are the health effects of sodium hypochlorite?

There is no value or a means of measurement for sodium hypochlorite exposure. Various health effects occur after exposure to sodium hypochlorite. People are exposed to sodium hypochlorite by inhalation of aerosols. This causes coughing and a sore throat. After inhaling sodium hypochlorite, the effects are stomach ache, a burning sensation, coughing, diarrhea, a sore throat and vomiting. Sodium hypochlorite on skin or eyes causes redness and pain. After prolonged exposure, the skin can become sensitive. Sodium hypochlorite is poisonous for water organisms. It is mutagenic (It changes the genetic material, usually DNA, of an organism and thus increases the frequency of mutations above the natural background level). and very toxic when it comes in contact with ammonium salts.

The use of Sodium hypochlorite in swimming pools

The concentration of sodium hypochlorite that is found in swimming pools is generally not harmful to people. In a case where there is too much chlorine in the water, it burns the body tissues, which causes damage to air tracts, the stomach, intestines, eyes and the skin. When sodium hypochlorite is used in swimming pools, it sometimes causes red eyes and it gives off a typical chlorine odor. When there is a lot of ureum (a mixture of urine and sweat) present, hypochlorous acid and urea react to form chloramines. These chloramines irritate mucous membranes and cause the so-called ' chlorine smell'. In most swimming pools, these problems are prevented by water purification and ventilation. Eyes irritation disappears after a while.

Epochem Sodium Hypochlorite

Advantages and Disadvantages of the use of Sodium Hypochlorite

Sodium hypochlorite as a disinfectant has the following advantages:

• It can easily be stored and transported when it is produced on-site. Dosage is simple.
• Transport and storage of sodium hypochlorite are safe, as it is not toxic.
• Sodium hypochlorite is as effective as chlorine gas for disinfection.
• Sodium hypochlorite produces residual disinfectant.
• It is widely available at a low cost, and is recommended for surface disinfection in healthcare facilities.

Disadvantages

• Sodium hypochlorite is a dangerous and corrosive substance. While working with sodium hypochlorite, safety measures have to be taken to protect workers and the environment.
• Sodium hypochlorite should not come in contact with air, because that will cause it to disintegrate.

GZ Industrial Supplies offers expert advice with available product of sodium hypochlorite to help protect you from biological related hazards which can pose as a great challenge to you, your job and loved ones. 

Kindly Contact Us for more information as it relates to this article or any of our products.

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