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Sodium hypochlorite is a substance widely used as a disinfectant for surfaces, but it can also be used to purify water for human use and consumption. Sodium hypochlorite is popularly known as bleach, bleach or candida, which is sold in a solution of up to 2.5% sodium hypochlorite.
Sodium hypochlorite can be purchased at markets, greengrocers, grocery stores or pharmacies. Household tablets are available on the market and, generally, a tablet is used to purify a liter of water, but you must pay attention to the instructions of the type of sodium hypochlorite that is sold, because there is also hypochlorite sold as salt, solutions or in tablets that are used to purify cisterns, wells and to treat swimming pools. In these situations, the concentration of the substance is much higher and can cause health problems.
What is it for
Sodium hypochlorite is used to clean surfaces, lighten white clothes, wash vegetables and also to purify water for human consumption, reducing the chances of contamination by viruses, parasites and bacteria, which cause diseases such as diarrhea, hepatitis A, cholera or rotavirus. See what diseases can arise after drinking contaminated water.
How to use sodium hypochlorite
The way to use sodium hypochlorite varies according to the purpose of its use:
1. Purify water
To purify water for human consumption, it is recommended to place 2 to 4 drops of sodium hypochlorite with a concentration of 2 to 2.5%, for each 1 liter of water. This solution should be kept in a non-transparent container, such as a clay pot or a thermos, for example.
It is important to keep the container covered and wait 30 minutes after dripping the drops to consume the water. This time is necessary for the disinfectant to take effect, eliminating all microorganisms. Purified water with sodium hypochlorite is used for drinking, cooking, washing vegetables, fruits and vegetables, washing dishes and bathing.
See also how to properly wash fruits and vegetables.
2. Disinfect surfaces
To disinfect surfaces and eliminate viruses and bacteria, the Disease Control and Prevention Center (CDC) recommends mixing 4 teaspoons of sodium hypochlorite (equivalent to 1 tablespoon), for each liter of water to be used. This water must then be used to disinfect surfaces such as counters, tables or the floor, for example.
Cautions when handling sodium hypochlorite
When using sodium hypochlorite, it is very important to avoid direct contact with the substance, because it has a corrosive action, which can cause burns on the skin and eyes, when it is in large concentrations, therefore it is advisable to use gloves.
What happens if you use sodium hypochlorite in the wrong way
If sodium hypochlorite is used accidentally in doses above the recommended, you should wash the exposed area immediately with running water and watch for symptoms such as itching and redness. When excessive doses of this substance are ingested, symptoms of poisoning may appear, such as the desire to vomit, cough and difficulty in breathing, requiring urgent medical attention.
However, when sodium hypochlorite is used within the recommendations, it is safe for health and treated water can even be offered to babies and children. In case of doubt, in the case of children, it is recommended to offer properly sealed mineral water.