Bleach

Question

Is the use of bleach allowed in institutes for children? (Institute of education for deficient children 12 to 20 years)
What is its effect on urine?

Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question. It gives us the opportunity to update information on bleach.
Bleach is a very good disinfectant (bactericidal, fungicidal, virucidal and sporicidal) but under specific conditions of use that are not always well known and isn't always ideal for daily use.
It has to be used only with cold water and has to be rinsed after10 minutes of contact.
It disinfects, bleaches and deodorizes the surface once cleaned or scrubbed. But what is a cleaning and a disinfection? Cleaning is to remove every stain visible or invisible on a given area. The surface thus cleaned is described as clean.
Disinfection is a temporary result which aims to eliminate or to kill unwanted microbes. Disinfection is the elimination of all microbes.
So, we must first clean and rinse, then disinfect with bleach, then we must wait about 10 min and rinse
When bleach is mixed with acids, such as descalers, there is a release of toxic chlorine gas and very irritating, which instantly alerts the user. So, the risk of prolonged contact has to be avoided.
When bleach is mixed with urine, there is a release of NCl 3 (nitrogen trichloride) which is irritating to the respiratory tract: cough, difficulty breathing, asthma attacks
www.securiteconso.org/rubrique88.html

Here are two references to consult about bleach
www.calyxis.fr/fr/telechargements/fiches_produits/fiche_produit/fiche_produit_eau_javel.pdf

www.calyxis.fr/fr/telechargements/fiches_produits/fiche_produit/fiche_produit_eau_javel.pdf

I have not found a decree prohibiting the use of bleach to school. The bleach seems to be allowed in school health, subject to good use and conservation and proper dilution and outside the presence of children. But in fact, bleach is a toxic and dangerous product, cause of some domestic accidents. It is less and less tolerated in childcare institutions. Some local authorities are stricter than others on this issue and may prohibit its use in institutes and classes, as a precautionary.
Here is what is written about an activity of food preparation in schools: «Cleaning and disinfection of working surfaces of the kitchen: surfaces can be disinfected with bleach in a large volume of water and then rinsed with tap water»
www.education.gouv.fr/botexte/bo020110/MENE0102836C.htm


Cleaner and disinfectant, "two in one", exist and can replace bleach. They could be more practical to use. You can look at the following question in ECORN: ecorn-cf.eu/index.php?id=37&L=5&tx_expertadvice_pi1 [showitem] = 324

I hope I have enlightened your question
Cordially
Marythé Kerbrat

02.07.2012