Bleach must be stored away from __________.

Bleach must be stored away from heat and light to ensure its effectiveness and safety. Both heat and light can cause bleach to break down more quickly, leading to a reduction in its disinfecting properties. This degradation can result in weaker solutions that may not effectively kill pathogens, which is a critical aspect of infection control. Additionally, exposing bleach to heat can also increase the risk of chemical reactions that may produce harmful byproducts. Storing bleach in a cool, dark place helps maintain its stability and effectiveness, making it a crucial practice in any infection control protocol.

While moisture, humidity, and cold temperatures can also impact chemical stability to some extent, it is primarily heat and light exposure that poses the most significant risk to the integrity of bleach as a disinfectant.