Fehérítk

Fehérítk is not a standard term in Hungarian or international chemical nomenclature. It may be a misspelling or a shorthand for fehérítők, the class of chemicals known as bleaching agents that whiten or decolorize materials. Bleaching agents work primarily by oxidation or reduction, breaking down pigmented compounds.

The major categories are chlorine-based and oxygen-based bleaching agents. Chlorine-based agents include sodium hypochlorite (household bleach) and calcium hypochlorite, used for laundry, surface disinfection, and water treatment. Oxygen-based bleaches include hydrogen peroxide, sodium percarbonate, and sodium perborate, favored for textile and paper bleaching and for color-safe cleaning.

Applications span households (laundry and stain removal), textile and paper industries (pulp bleaching, fabric whitening), and water treatment (disinfection). In the food sector, bleaching agents are subject to strict regulatory approval and labeling; certain bleaching processes are used in flour milling and fruit processing historically but are limited today.

Safety and environmental considerations: many bleaching agents are strong irritants and can release toxic gases if misused, especially chlorine compounds when mixed with acids or ammonia. Proper handling, ventilation, and protective equipment are essential. Environmentally, bleaching can produce chlorinated organic compounds; alternatives and wastewater treatment reduce impacts.

Related topics include bleach and bleaching agents in consumer products.