Before using this solution, it would be critical to get the answer to this million-dollar question. Is isopropyl alcohol bad for the environment?
It is a major component of cleaning agents and hand sanitizers. Since they are commonly used, it would be nice to identify any environmental issues from such popular items.
What about analyzing its impact on the environment? It is also a good way to know how to use it to elevate or eliminate environmental concerns.
Various Uses of Isopropyl Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is popular due to its many uses. They include the following;
- It is an effective ingredient in hand sanitizers
- Besides cleaning, it is also a reliable disinfectant
- If you have an ear infection, it will do the trick
- It is also an excellent cold pack if you suffer a minor strain or sprain
- After surgery, use isopropyl alcohol to reduce nausea
- It eliminates plant pests, including scale crawlers, whiteflies, aphids, and mealybugs, among other similar insects
- It removes challenging stains, including sap, grease, grass, and ink
The Impact of Isopropyl Alcohol on the Environment
Everyone wants something that does an excellent job, and isopropyl alcohol fits the bill for cleaning efficiently. It is an effective germicide that kills various germs, including the influenza virus.
However, it is no secret that it is a type of alcohol. Its chemical properties need a deep analysis before determining if it is bad for the environment.
What about a look at the two sides of isopropyl alcohol regarding the environment? Here’s the good.
Isopropyl Alcohol Doesn’t Have a Strong Smell
One of the environmental concerns is odors. Strong smells make the environment unconducive for staying comfortable.
For asthmatic people, it is enough to make their condition escalate. However, that won’t be a problem when using isopropyl alcohol.
That’s because it is almost odorless. The mild smell also goes away within a short time after use.
Isopropyl Alcohol Will Dry Quickly
A slippery and soggy environment can lead to severe injuries and extreme consequences. Fortunately, isopropyl alcohol will dry quickly after use, thus avoiding such outcomes.
It means that it will be safe to walk around after a short period of cleaning your house.
Isopropyl Alcohol is Efficient in Killing Germs
Another environmental concern is viruses, fungi, and bacteria. They cause diseases in animals, plants, and human beings.
Fortunately, isopropyl will eliminate them efficiently. It means that you are safe from these disease-causing organisms.
Isopropyl Alcohol is Biodegradable
It turns out that rubbing alcohol is great for the environment during and after use. That’s because you don’t have to worry about disposing of isopropyl alcohol.
Since it is biodegradable, you won’t worry about bioaccumulation despite using it a lot. It hardly bides to sediment or soil and is miscible in water.
Whereas it is environmentally friendly in these circumstances, that may not be the case due to the following reasons;
Isopropyl Alcohol is Flammable
There are high chances of fire hazards if you aren’t cautious when using rubbing alcohol to clean your stovetop or oven. That’s because it is a highly flammable substance.
It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use it to clean such surfaces. On the contrary, use it but give it some time since it will evaporate within no time.
Isopropyl Alcohol and Bleach Shouldn’t Combine
Combining this alcohol and bleach will form chloroform. That’s why you shouldn’t consider combining the two at all costs.
That combination adversely affects major body organs, including the heart, brain, liver, and kidneys. That’s not good for people living around you.
Things to Avoid When Using Isopropyl Alcohol
Whereas isopropyl alcohol has many uses, it could do more harm than good if you make the following mistakes;
Ingesting It
As far as isopropyl alcohol is concerned, ingesting it isn’t an option. That’s because of its toxicity which is harmful to one’s body.
It is advisable to ensure that children can’t reach it for the same reason. Equally important, it can easily be mistaken for water hence the need to avoid putting it in beverage bottles or glasses.
Treat it like any other cleaning supply for safety reasons. Remember that even the smallest amount of isopropyl alcohol can have dire consequences if ingested.
Using It on the Some Surfaces
Although an efficient cleaning agent, rubbing alcohol could do more harm than good if used on certain surfaces. It will destroy them, thus leading to losses that are usually huge in most cases.
An excellent example is silk, wool, rayon, and acetate fabrics. The same applies to finished surfaces, including varnished, lacquered, shellacked, and painted surfaces like treated wood.
Using it Near a Lit Cigar rete or Flame
That’s because it is highly flammable. After all, it is alcoholic, and using it even near a candle could lead to a fire breakout.
Using it on Some Skin Conditions or Wounds
Don’t use it on sensitive areas such as irritated, dry, or sunburned skin. It could also take a long time to heal if you use it on a clean wound.
Using it in Unventilated Spaces
Due to its volatility, isopropyl easily reacts and forms harmful fumes. Avoid their consequences by ventilating your space when using it.
Conclusion
Is isopropyl alcohol bad for the environment? The answer to this question depends on how you use this product.
If you use it correctly, it will be environmentally friendly. After all, it has a mild odor, dries quickly, kills germs, and is biodegradable.
Nevertheless, it will be bad news if you combine it with bleach since the combination affects major body organs. Dire consequences may also arise if used near fire since it is highly flammable.
However, these issues shouldn’t make you do away with it. It has many uses, and you should take advantage of such a versatile product.
Ensure you use and handle it right to avoid the bad while enjoying the good. While at it, remember the don’ts for your safety, that of your loved ones, and the environment.
The bottom line is that isopropyl is good for the environment if you use it correctly. Similarly, failure to do so will cost you big.
