Bleaching is the process of whitening or decolorizing a substance by removing or altering its color-producing components, often through chemical reactions. It's widely used in various industries and even domestically. Bleaching agents can be oxidizing or reducing agents that break down or modify chromophores, the molecules responsible for color.
Here's a more detailed look:
Paper:
Wood pulp is bleached to produce white paper, though this process can have environmental consequences.
Hair:
Hair bleaching involves using chemicals to lighten hair color, a process that can have side effects.
Skin:
Skin bleaching aims to lighten skin tone, but it carries potential health risks and ethical considerations.
Other Applications:
Bleaching is also used in industries like sugar and flour production and for cleaning and disinfecting.
Coral Bleaching:
In marine environments, coral bleaching refers to the expulsion of symbiotic algae by corals due to stress, causing them to turn white and potentially die.
Textiles:
Bleaching is crucial in textile manufacturing to whiten fabrics like cotton and linen, often using agents like hydrogen peroxide.
Types of Bleaching: