ACI Backs Bleach

When a cleaning staple such as bleach gets put through the wringer, the industry takes notice. After the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine published the results of a study that found the risk of flu was 20% higher in children who lived in households where bleach was used and recurrent tonsillitis 35% higher, The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) released the following statement in response to a study in the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine that attacks the use of bleach in the home:

“The authors of the study make overly broad claims linking the use of bleach in the home to higher childhood infection rates. The fact is, this study provides no evidence that household bleach use is leading to infections in children, ” according to ACI. “The associations described were based on observational surveys of heads of households, and as the researchers themselves admit, “no definitive conclusions can be drawn about cause-and-effect.”

The ACI charged that since there was no data presented on the children’s actual exposure to bleach, nor any diagnoses of actual diseases, “the authors are merely speculating.”

The Institute went on to say that the authors completely fail to acknowledge the benefits of household bleach when it is properly used for cleaning, disinfecting and laundering. According to ACI, studies have shown that “when cleaning is supplemented with sodium hypochlorite bleach, there is a significant reduction in the number of bacteria on contaminated sites, such as counter tops and faucet or refrigerator handles. Sodium hypochlorite bleach has been shown to be effective at inactivating a wide range of pathogenic bacteria.” [Aiello, Larson, and Sedlak, summarizing several studies* in Against Disease: The Impact of Hygiene and Cleanliness on Health, 2007, p. 97.]

ACI noted too that bleach must be used according to the product directions and that it not be mixed with other cleaning products. Bleach needs to be safely stored and secured out of sight and out of reach of children. Proper ventilation is important when cleaning or disinfecting with bleach products. According to ACI, bleach can be used to disinfect and sanitize laundry as well as kitchen, bathroom and other surfaces around the home. Bleach products provide a host of health benefits and are a trusted guard against seasonal flu outbreaks and episodes of foodborne illness.

“Daycare centers, hospitals, restaurants and public facilities of all kinds rely upon the disinfectant qualities of bleach to keep their facilities safe from harmful germs. As a reminder, products that claim to kill germs must meet efficacy requirements and guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and must be registered with EPA and carry an EPA registration number on their label,” ACI concluded.  “Consumers can continue to rely on bleach products as they have for decades. The key, as always, is to use them safely, properly, and as directed.”

The ACI has published a Bleach Fact Sheet for more information.