Avaliação do Teor de Cloro Ativo e da Conformidade Regulatória de Águas Sanitárias Comercializadas em São Gonçalo

Resumo

The present study aimed to evaluate the active chlorine content in clandestine and regularized household bleach samples acquired in the city of São Gonçalo, Brazil. The results revealed significant nonconformities, as all clandestine samples exhibited active chlorine contents below the minimum range established by ANVISA (2.0–2.5% w/w). Factors such as inadequate packaging, ambient storage conditions, and possible improper dilutions may contribute to sodium hypochlorite decomposition and to the reduced chlorine content observed in these products. Among the regularized samples analyzed, only two brands presented active chlorine contents within the regulatory limits. From an economic perspective, although clandestine products are sold at lower prices, they may represent a higher cost to consumers when the price per gram of active chlorine is considered. With respect to disinfection efficacy, only the regularized samples reached active chlorine levels above values commonly reported in the literature for disinfection purposes, although no direct assessment of antimicrobial efficacy was performed. Overall, the results highlight the importance of strengthened regulatory surveillance of household bleach products marketed in São Gonçalo, since clandestine samples showed inadequate active chlorine concentrations.