Final answer:
A dilution of 1:100 is typically used for general disinfection of non-porous surfaces using sodium hypochlorite, with commercial bleach containing 5.28% to 7.4% of the active compound. Correct concentration is critical for safety and effectiveness.
Step-by-step explanation:
For general disinfection of non-porous surfaces, a commonly used dilution of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), widely recognized as household bleach, is the 1:100 ratio. This would imply that for every 1 part of bleach, 99 parts of water are used to create this solution. It's crucial to note that commercially available bleach has concentrations around 5.28% to 7.4% sodium hypochlorite by mass. When preparing a 1:100 dilution from a 7.4% solution, one would dilute the bleach significantly, resulting in an even lower percentage of the active ingredient in the final disinfectant solution.
This dilution is effective for routine disinfection and is supported by various health organizations for controlling the spread of germs on surfaces. It's essential for consumers and workers in industries such as food processing to use the correct concentrations to ensure safety and effectiveness in disinfection practices. Special care must be taken when handling and diluting concentrated bleach solutions to prevent harmful exposure.