Usual commercial concentration: 5% weight per volume
Concentration used for skin decontamination: 10% (1 to 9 parts water = 1 part in 10) with final concentration 0.5% sodium hypochlorite
The diluted bleach solution can be used to decontaminate skin surfaces when alternatives are not available, as in natural disasters or during combat. It can also be used to decontaminate surfaces.
Undiluted bleach can be use to decontaminate instruments, surfaces, sheets and clothing.
Sites which should not be exposed to a dilute bleach solution:
(1) eyes (cause corneal burns and conjunctivitis)
(2) nervous system (brain or spinal cord)
(3) peritoneal cavity
(4) pleural cavity
Cautions with undiluted bleach:
(1) Potential for chemical burns (to eyes or GI tract; to skin with prolonged exposure)
(2) Oxidative damage to metallic surfaces with corrosion if left in contact for prolonged periods..
Commercial bleach solutions should be handled with eye protection and gloves.
Bleach will degrade over time once a stock container is opened and will lose potency as a decontaminant.
