Effects on Human Health

Toxicity

Bleach:

        Household bleach has a pH level that is almost neutral, but can have a great affect on humans due to its toxicity. Inhalation can cause many problems with humans respiratory. Since household bleach is corrosive it can cause serious irritation or damage to the skin and eyes. Consequently, if ingested bleach can cause very serious toxic effects, such as nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.

Vinegar:

         Furthermore, since vinegar has an extremely high pH level, too much exposure to it can have a harmful effect on your body. The inhalation of vinegar can cause irritation of the nose, throat, eyes and chest. If large amounts are ingested, it could cause stomach/digestive problems and burning of the mouth and throat. Since the concentration of acetic acid is much lower in household vinegar, the toxicity is much less severe.

Pollutants

Bleach:

               When exposed to certain chemicals in the environment  bleach can react to produce dioxins. These dioxins can have a number of damaging effects on humans, including heart disease and immune deficiency. Bleach can also react with chemicals in the environment and breakdown into persistent pollutants called volatile organic compounds. These compounds are a major cause of cancer. 

Vinegar:

           Vinegar does not have many negative impacts on the environment. There are no pollutants made by vinegar.

Chemical Interactions:

Bleach:

           House hold bleach is commonly used around or with other household cleaners. however, mixing many of these chemicals can be extremely dangerous. For example, contact with ammonia  can be explosive and toxic (liquid hydrazine can be formed). Furthermore, household bleach should never be mixed with acidic toilet cleaner, as deadly fumes are given off that can be extremely harmful to humans.

Vinegar:

           Vinegar is an effective cleaner, however, many people combine it with other cleaners to increase its effectiveness. This can be dangerous because vinegar reacts with other chemicals with harmful results. For example, vinegar reacts with cleaning products with chlorine, such as bleach, which gives off a toxic substances into the air.

MSDS

Bleach:

           According to MSDS (Materials Safety Data Sheet) for household bleach, it can be very harmful, especially when in contact with skin. Asthma  emphysema, bronchitis and lung disease are all conditions that can be caused by large amounts. Protective gloves and glasses are highly recommended when using bleach.

Vinegar:

           As for vinegar, the MSDS states that it can cause uncomfortable irritation to the body, but is easily washed off. Contact with eyes can also cause irritation. If ingested it could cause digestion problems and burning in the mouth or throat. Household vinegar can be handled easily without the need of protection.