LETTERS: During this pandemic, the use of disinfectants has become standard practice at home and at the workplace.
Most household liquid bleach contain five to seven per cent of a corrosive chemical substance called sodium hypochlorite.
Proper dilution of liquid bleach is crucial. The liquid can be irritating to the skin and eyes, so take extra care when diluting bleach for surface disinfection purposes.
For disinfecting hard surfaces like doorknobs or faucet handles against the novel coronavirus, experts recommend mixing about 20ml of bleach with one litre of water.
Use a plastic measuring cup — not a metal one — to measure as the corrosive chemicals in bleach react with metal.
Be careful when diluting the bleach at home. Do so in a ventilated environment and protect yourself from direct contact with bleach by wearing a face mask, gloves and goggles.
Accidental exposure to bleach — even the diluted one — may cause cough and irritation to the eyes and skin.
As bleach is reactive to heat and metal, it is best to avoid using hot water or water from a hot pipe. Avoid using containers made of metals or those containing metal parts.
Most importantly, use only water for the dilution. Do not mix the diluted bleach with floor cleaner solution or vinegar as it might trigger the release of toxic gases.
The diluted bleach is usually used for inert and hard surfaces, not metals, painted surfaces/objects and sofa or leather goods.
As mentioned earlier, good ventilation is vital when using diluted bleach.
Avoid discarding unused or diluted bleach solution directly into the toilet bowl or kitchen sink.
Diluted bleach is not intended for human use and you should avoid using it to sanitise your hands.
If you encounter any symptoms, such as cough, irritation and pain when dealing with bleach, seek medical attention.
GOH CHOON FU
Senior lecturer and lead researcher, Universiti Sains Malaysia
LONG CHIAU MING
Associate Professor, Universiti Brunei Darussalam
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times