Bleach & Vinegar: Effects on Air, Furniture & Building

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The discussion centers around a practice in a workplace where a mixture of bleach and vinegar is used to combat mold and mildew. Concerns are raised about the health risks associated with this method, particularly the production of chlorine gas when bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is mixed with vinegar (acetic acid). This gas poses significant health hazards to employees and could potentially damage electronic equipment and furniture over time. The practice has been ongoing for several years, raising questions about safety regulations and whether OSHA is aware of the situation. Additionally, there are worries about the corrosive effects of chlorine on materials like aluminum and stainless steel. Overall, the method is criticized for its potential health risks and lack of oversight.
rwolo
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I am new to this so I don't know if I am doing this right, I have some questions. In the building I work they put 1c. of bleach and 1c. of vinegar in a quart jar and set this out in several areas in the building over the weekend and then dump it out on Monday morning. Except in the basement it is left out until it evaporates. My questions are, what is this doing to the air, and is it absorbing into the furniture and other things in the building? This practice has been going for several years.
 
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That...sounds really unhealthy. Especially in the basement. Bleach + Acid = Chlorine gas (remember; vinegar contains acetic acid). Which no doubt is great at killing bacteria, mold, etc. in the building, but sort of has that pesky problem of being a major health risk to the humans working there as well...

I do hope OSHA knows they're doing this and it's being controlled in some manner so as not to be a health risk.
 
That's got to be bad for electronic equipment! Are they worried about mold and mildew in the bldg?
 
chemisttree said:
That's got to be bad for electronic equipment! Are they worried about mold and mildew in the bldg?

Yeah, can't chlorine corrode even aluminum and stainless steel if it's on them for an extended period of time?
 
yes, they put it out for mold and mildew
 

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