To be precise, when I say “bleach”, I’m referring to a 4-5% Sodium Hypochlorite solution, such as Clorox.
From what I recall, bleach decomposes more rapidly when exposed to air and sunlight, losing its “bleachiness”, which is why we store it in airtight, opaque containers. However, is there any inherent danger to exposing it to sunlight? I’m assuming that its more rapid decomposition would produce more chlorine gas, which we obviously wouldn’t want to inhale, but realistically, if I were to place a plastic cup of bleach in direct sunlight, would anything spectacularly dangerous occur, as opposed to leaving that open container in a dark room, or simply leaving a jug of bleach uncapped on the counter of my bathroom?
Back when it was totally rad to have bleached out jeans, I doused a pair and put them on the sunny front steps all day. The fabric had become so weak that I could only wear them once. The next time I tried to put them on my feet went right through the knees. They looked awesome for that one wearing, though.
i don’t think having a cup of bleach open or a bottle open in a home would be a hazard for an average person. it could be irritating in the same room after a while especially for an open cup.
Sunlight does increase the reaction rate, but not by an amount that constitutes any kind of danger. Try it. One bit in shade, one in sun. See how much difference it makes. You, too, may qualify for the SDSAB! Just don’t drink the stuff. That’s carrying science a bit too far. Leave that to Cecil’s paid minions.
