Hello,

This is Dr. Viraj Shah, Environmental and Occupational Health Expert answering your query. Bleaching agents contain Sodium Hypochlorite that can cause harm to health. It is necessary to have protective measures to have minimum exposure to the bleaching agent while keeping your job.

You have rightly understood that you need to wear a mask while working. In addition, do wear gloves while working so that your hands do not come directly in contact with the bleaching agent. In addition, do not wear the clothes that you wear regularly at work. You should wear coveralls that can cover your skin from neck to feet with full sleeves that ensures minimal direct contact of the agent with the skin.

You should wear these coveralls after reaching the workplace and should change to regular clothes before leaving job so that you do not carry the clothes with you at home and your family members do not get exposed. This will also solve your bleaching smell problem. Do have bath immediately after finishing job or as soon as you reach home to dispose off any agent that may have contacted your skin and save you from burn. Do wear boots at work that can cover your feet entirely.

In addition, as you mentioned you do not get much fresh air at work, I would advise you to take short breaks to breathe fresh air rather than working continuously for long hours in the environment that can harm you.

I hope this guidance helps you to work efficiently while protecting yourself from any short or long term health hazards. Take care.