What are the health hazards of chlorine bleach to humans?

Under normal circumstances, chlorine bleach poses health risks to humans including irritancy and corrosiveness, chlorine gas poisoning, and chloride poisoning. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Irritancy and Corrosiveness

Chlorine bleach is a strongly acidic substance that can irritate and corrode the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Contact with chlorine bleach may cause skin burns, eye inflammation, and respiratory irritation.

2. Chlorine Gas Poisoning

When using chlorine bleach without adequate ventilation or in excessive amounts, toxic chlorine gas may be released. Inhaling high concentrations of chlorine gas can lead to difficulty breathing, coughing, chest tightness, and a burning sensation in the throat. In severe cases, it may result in pulmonary edema and suffocation.

3. Chloride Poisoning

Excessive exposure to chlorine bleach may increase chloride levels in the body, leading to chloride poisoning. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and even coma.

In addition, chlorine bleach can react with urea and amine compounds to produce toxic chloramine compounds, which may harm the respiratory tract, skin, and eyes.