Sodium hypochlorite is used as a disinfectant and is also used to purify water for human use and consumption. Sodium hypochlorite is popularly known as bleach, which is sold in a solution of 2.0 to 2.5% sodium hypochlorite.
You can buy sodium hypochlorite in 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 one must pay attention to 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.
What is it for
Sodium hypochlorite is used to clean surfaces, lighten white clothes, wash vegetables and also to purify water for human consumption, to reduce the chances of contamination by viruses, parasites and bacteria that cause diarrhea, hepatitis A, cholera or rotavirus. See what diseases can arise after consuming contaminated water.
How to use
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 every 1 liter of water. This solution must 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, maintaining all microorganisms.
Purified water with sodium hypochlorite is used for drinking, cooking, washing vegetables, fruits and vegetables, washing dishes and bathing.
Care should be taken to avoid direct contact with bleach because it has a corrosive action and can cause burns to the skin and eyes when it is in high concentrations.
What to do if you used more sodium hypochlorite than necessary
If sodium hypochlorite is used accidentally in doses higher than recommended, wash the exposed area immediately with running water and observe if symptoms such as itching and redness appear. When exaggerated doses of this substance are ingested, there may be an urge to vomit, cough and difficulty breathing, requiring urgent medical attention.
However, when sodium hypochlorite is used within the recommendations, it is safe for health and water treated with it can be offered to babies and children, but in case of doubt, it is recommended to offer only properly sealed mineral water for children.
See also how to properly wash fruits and vegetables.
