Liquid bleach is sometimes used at the Community Wellness Center at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital so I retrieved the MSDS for liquid bleach.
- What are the health risks associated with this chemical?
The health risks associated with liquid bleach is irritation to eyes and skin and contact with acid liberates toxic gas.
- Is the chemical a carcinogen?
Liquid bleach is not considered a carcinogen for humans.
- What personal protective equipment or special precautions should be taken when working with this chemicals.
It is recommended to prevent contact from skin and eyes and breathing vapors. The use of protective equipment is under discretion. However, goggles, face shield, plastic apron and boots, and gloves.
- If this is a chemical found in your workplace, what training/education were you given about any risks associated with this chemical?
I wasn't given any training or education at the center regarding liquid bleach because it is such a common product used in so many various places.
ToxNet had very similar information regarding sodium hydrochlorite (liquid bleach). It went further into detail regarding how much effect it has on the human body. ToxNet also goes further into discussing the studies related to animal toxicity which isn't important in a hospital setting, but is important about the product itself.
Very interesting, Tina. I am glad to see that bleach is not a carcinogen. After learning so much in this class and from my fieldwork, I was beginning to think that everything was a carcinogenic lol. My mom had always told me that it was too, so I promise you that I'm not crazy haha.
ReplyDeleteBleach is a very common cleaner in hospitals, so it’s not surprising that there would be an MSDS on it. My mom is allergic to bleach so she is well aware to steer clear of it and if she does need to use it then she will layer with gloves.
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