Toxicology of sodium hypochlorite for two important aquatic species is shown in the following tabulation:
Sodium hypochlorite is broken down in the environment into sodium chloride, oxygen, and water. Other substances may be formed to a limited extent. These by-products are often referred to as AOX (adsorbable organic halides). A great many studies have been made to provide a risk assessment of NaOCl in terms of its formation of AOX. It was concluded that the amount of AOX is very small both in absolute terms and relative to other human activities and natural sources. The majority of these compounds are easily degradable and are primarily water soluble and not bioaccumulative. Highly chlorinated species, such as dioxins, are not formed.