I have heard the study that says that bleach exposure is just as bad as smoking a pack a day. I’m not buying it. I would like to know the setup of that study and if they based their finding simply off of statistics or physical science. Cigarettes are carcinogenic, bleach is not. I’m not a scientist but I don’t think there’s any lasting effects.
I wouldn’t want to breathe 12% all day, definitely can burn the lungs.
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I wouldn’t either. We don’t work with 12% often outside of mixing it. I rarely go over 4%. My theory is under most conditions, outdoor and well ventilated it’s not pleasant but I don’t believe it’s equivalent to smoking.
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I notice mild irritation on roofs but nothing lasting until a few minutes off of the roof. Where’s these guys that’s been in the industry for 20+ Years? Notice any adverse effects?
I remember reading a post from an old timer on here that was pretty grave. He said he can barely climb a 6 foot ladder without being completely out of air and exhausted. My thoughts on the matter are pretty simple. Is it naturally occurring? No? Then it is not good for you to ingest in any any manner.
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Do you use a respirator?
Yes, I do. I also wear nitrile gloves to minimize skin contact.
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I feel like it’s the most that is more harmful than anything. Somebody just walking by that can smell, I feel is not in danger, but breathing in the mist I feel is bad. I always wear respirator on windy days, pool enclosures (being trapped inside is rough), and roofs.
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I think more accurately, it was shown that regular exposure to bleach can cause similar lung damage as smoking a pack a day.
No, I don’t think that it’s as likely to cause cancer as cigarettes. But it will effect lung performance. There are many veteran pressure washers with COPD, Asthma, and other breathing related issues that they can link directly to their exposure to bleach over the years.
The article you linked is not really applicable to the way we use bleach. Causing the bleach to be atomized in the air by spraying it upwards is not the same as using it in a clinical environment. And the article did recommend avoiding anything that causes the solution to mist into the air.
SH dries out and damages the lining of the lungs. There are no pain receptors in lung tissue, so you won’t notice the damage happening until you are experiencing breathing issues.
Wear an acid gas relief mask for housewashing. Wear an appropriately rated full respirator for roof cleaning or other high exposure situations.
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I’d have to find comfortable protection to be diligent about actually wearing it. What do you wear?
Found these:
I keep some of those on hand for quick jobs but if it’s a full day then I go with the full respirator. I’m still starting out so I’m not spraying bleach 40 hours a week yet but it’s best to get into the habit early before time makes you complacent and next thing you know you are on oxygen or something!
I can’t imagine myself doing the work with a full face respirator for 8-10hrs a day in the middle of the summer time. Not saying it’s right, it just won’t happen. I have a full face but the only time it’s used is when using muratic acid.
I wear the ones you posted above. All the time.
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I had blisters on my inter thighs and forearm where 4% mix got on me and i didnt rinse it off. Im sure it would do the same to your lungs if you inhaled some mist from it.
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My lecture in class this week was on COPD. It definitely made me want to start wearing a mask more often.
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You all have some valid points. Looking like I’ll be investing in some comfortable respiratory protection.
@Steve how long does one last?
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I can get several days out of one. They get wet and dirty depending on what you are washing.
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Get some no-fog for your glasses too, it’ll make them fog up at times.
I know it’s dangerous as all get out if you splash straight 12.5% on your shirt and it soaks through to the nipple.
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This is one of the reasons I choose to only downstream and use a milder mix.
It’s worth the extra 5 min to apply a second coat of soap rather then use a stronger mix to go faster.
I know guys who use ridiculously strong mixes just to save 10 min per job.
My health is more important than finishing the job a little quicker…
