For many of us, bleach is a cleaning staple, it is our old trusty and our go to product when we feel we need your toilet a big clean. And why wouldn’t it be? For years we have been bombarded with how great and powerful it is and how effective at killing bacteria and removing stains is. But what is the ultimate cost to the environment? It is vital to recognise that cleaning with bleach has a significant detriment to the environment and to explore what your eco-friendly options are.
So what is the true environmental cost of cleaning with bleach?
- Harmful Byproducts
When bleach interacts with organic matter in wastewater, such as being put down a toilet, it can form harmful byproducts, such as chlorinated organic compounds. Some of these compounds, like trihalomethanes, are considered potential carcinogens and have been linked to various health issues, including cancer and reproductive problems. These byproducts create furth risk to aquatic and human life.
- Water Pollution
One of the most significant environmental concerns associated with bleach is contamination. When bleach is flushed down the toilet, it enters the sewage system and makes its way to wastewater treatment plants. Wastewater treatment plants are designed to purify water however the presence of chlorine disrupts the microbial processes responsible for breaking down organic matter which leads to inefficient treatment process and increased levels of pollutants being released into natural water bodies.
- Harmful Chemical Composition
Bleach is typically made from sodium hypochlorite, a highly reactive and corrosive chemical. When bleach is used, it releases a chlorine gas which is harmful to both humans and the environment. When chlorine gas is inhaled, it can leads to respiratory issues and it also contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone which damages plants, animals and ecosystems.
- Impact on Aquatic Ecosystems and Wildlife
The release of bleach and its byproducts into water bodies causes harm to aquatic ecosystems and wildlife. From fish to amphibians to algae, the disruption caused by bleach can lead to imbalances in ecosystems, decreased biodiversity and can even kill aquatic wildlife.
- Eutrophication
Eutrophication is a process which involves an overabundance of nutrients that promotes excessive algal growth. Bleach contains nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen, when they are released into natural water bodies, it can contribute to eutrophication. Excessive algal growth can deplete oxygen levels in the water, leading to the death of aquatic animals and damage to aquatic ecosystems.
So what are your eco-friendly cleaning alternatives?
Thankfully there are numerous eco-friendly alternatives to bleach that are not only effective for environmentally friendly cleaning but are also cost effective.
When choosing what to clean your house with next, try considering these:
- Vinegar
White vinegar is an excellent natural cleaning. It removes stains and disinfects surfaces while being biodegradable and non-toxic.
- Baking Soda
Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can help scrub away stains, including toilet stains, neutralise odours and scrub surfaces without damaging them.
- Eco-friendly cleaning brands
There are numerous eco-friendly cleaning brands that offer products that are sustainable and do not negatively impact the environment. These brands offer safe and effective alternatives to bleach and are designed with the environment in mind.
While bleach is a powerful cleaning agent, the significant effects on the environment cannot be ignored. The chemicals it releases, the water contamination and the formation of harmful byproducts all contribute the ecological toll. By choosing environmentally friendly cleaning alternatives, we can reduce our individual environmental impact while protecting our own health and the health of wildlife.
Written by Monique Crouch LLB LLM GCILEx GradCG
