Why is bleach so effective at killing mold and algua and whats the difference between bleach and chlorine?
In: Biology
Chlorine is a pure element, which is gaseous and highly toxic. Bleach (depending on which variety) is a combination of chlorine and other elements to make a concentrated, highly corrosive liquid (it is dissolved in water, or mixed with a carrier powder for solid variants).
Bleach, like other materials with a high pH (base, caustics), emulcifies organic compounds. Basically, it breaks them down into base elements – yes, it does this to your skin as well. That is why it is so good at killing microorganisms like bacteria and algea. Also, any compound with chlorine in it maintains the toxcicity of chlorine.
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