Chlorine-based bleaches are found in many household cleaners and play an important role in water treatment. But they also present a significant risk for the health of living organisms and for the environment. Are there viable alternatives to bleach that might be more environmentally friendly?Introduction (245 words)WHAT IS CHLORINE BLEACHBleaches are used as chemicals household products to whiten clothes, remove stains and be used as disinfectants, often through oxidation (Mittal, 2007). Many types of bleach contain strong bactericidal properties and are used to disinfect and sterilize, which is why chlorine-based bleaches are commonly used in swimming pool sanitation to control bacteria, viruses and algae and in any institution where sterile conditions are necessary (Reader's Digest). Chlorine is the basis of commonly used bleaching agents; for example, sodium hypochlorite solution. The concentration of chlorine-based bleaches is often expressed as a percentage of active chlorine, where one gram of 100% active chlorine bleach has the same bleaching power as one gram of chlorine. These bleaches can react with other common household chemicals like vinegar or ammonia to produce toxic gases (Bleach, 2014). There are a number of various health concerns that can be associated with chlorine-based bleaches or household cleaners containing bleach. These include breathing problems, skin burns and damage to the nervous system. Often, the direct physical health problem is not caused by the product itself, but rather by the results of chemical reactions. With bleach, there is a wide spectrum of reactions that can cause multiple dangerous situations, for humans and the environment. Toxins produced as a result of bleach... middle of paper ......home garden/how-to-understand-why-bleach-is-badMittal, A. (2007). Chemistry. New Delhi: APH Publishing Corporation. Proper use of bleach. (nd). Retrieved from HowStuffWorks: http://home.howstuffworks.com/bleach3.htmQuilty, D. (nd). Alternatives to bleach. From The Good Human: http://thegoodhuman.com/2007/10/02/consider-these-environmentally-friendly-alternatives-to-bleach/Registry, A. f. (2002). Toxic Substances Portal-Calcium Hypochlorite/Sodium Hypochlorite. 1. Sodium hypochlorite. (2005). Retrieved from Labor Environmental Alliance Safety: http://leas.ca/bleach.htmTeague, L. (nd). How is bleach made? Retrieved March 29, 2014, from eHow: http://www.ehow.com/about_6382595_chlorine-bleach-made_.htmlWhat is oxygen bleach? (nd). Excerpted from Clean My Space: http://cleanmyspace.com/what-is-oxygen-bleach-oxy-clean/