Evaluating the potential toxicity of disinfectant products

Chlorinated Cleaning Products Potential Toxicity Assessment

Chlorinated cleaning products are widely used in industrial, professional, and consumer settings and released into wastewater systems that may reach local aquatic habitats. Our client, a cleaning product company, asked us to evaluate the potential toxicity of sodium hypochlorite (bleach) to humans and environmental receptors when used as a disinfectant.

We evaluated the human exposure to the chemical byproducts from residential use of bleach using the Exposure and Fate Assessment Screening Tool (E-FAST), Version 2.0, and the “Down-the-Drain” scenario. Then, we compared exposure estimates to US and international drinking water standards. Using highly conservative modeling assumptions, we concluded that the possible adverse human health risks associated with the chemical byproducts were negligible. These findings were consistent with a similar risk assessment conducted by the European Union.

Using the results of the assessment, the cleaning product company was able to address public health concerns and provide reassurance on the safety of its product.