Sodium hypochlorite
Sodium hypochlorite is the chemical commonly known as household bleach. Sodium hydroxide is used for anti-microbial purpose as well as in unclogging drains, washing clothing, and to cleaning toilets. This means that it is being poured directly into wastewater, which bioaccumulates and cannot be fully filtered out. Sodium hypochlorite in wastewater tends to form persistent chlorinated organic compounds, including known carcinogens, that can be absorbed by organisms and enter the food chain. This chemical may also pose environmental hazards because the halogenated volatile organic compounds (VOCs), have the ability to deplete stratospheric ozone, presenting concerns of emissions from household uses of solvents including bleach.