Here is the detailed overview of:
🧪 Bleaching Powder
(Containing not less than 30% w/w of available chlorine as per I.P.)
🌿 Nature / Drug Class
🔹 Chemical disinfectant
🔹 Inorganic compound
🔹 Also called Calcium Hypochlorite
🔹 Formula: Ca(OCl)₂
🩺 Purpose / Indications
✅ Used for:
- 🧼 Water disinfection (drinking water, wells)
- 🏥 Surface disinfection (hospitals, public health use)
- 🧹 Sanitation of toilets, drains, garbage areas
- 🦠 Germicidal agent for epidemics (cholera, typhoid)
- ☣️ Decontamination during outbreaks
⚙️ Advantages
✔️ Strong oxidizing agent – kills bacteria, viruses, fungi
✔️ Cost-effective & widely available
✔️ Provides rapid disinfection
✔️ Multipurpose: water, surface, laundry, spills
✔️ Stable when stored properly
📦 Common Packaging
📦 Packed in air-tight containers or drums
🔹 Usually in powdered form
🔖 Labeled with % of available chlorine (≥30% w/w as per I.P.)
⚠️ Patient Advice / Precautions
🧴 Always dilute before use
😷 Use gloves and masks during handling
🌬 Avoid inhalation of dust
🚫 Not for internal use or direct skin application
🧪 Avoid mixing with acids (releases chlorine gas)
💧 Do not store near moisture or organic materials
⚠️ Warnings / Cautions
❗ Decomposes in presence of heat, light, or moisture
☠️ May cause burns, irritation to skin, eyes, respiratory tract
📛 Keep away from children & pets
🚫 Incompatible with ammonia, acids, combustibles
🧊 Storage
🌡 Store in cool, dry place
🛑 Keep container sealed tightly
📦 Use within valid shelf life (loses potency over time)