What can bleach cause damage to when used incorrectly?

When bleach is used incorrectly, one of the most significant types of damage it can cause is to plastics and some metals. Bleach contains strong oxidizing agents that can degrade or weaken the structural integrity of certain materials. For example, prolonged exposure of plastics to bleach can result in brittleness and discoloration, leading to eventual failure of the material. Additionally, bleach can corrode some metals, particularly those that are not stainless or coated, making them prone to rust or other forms of degradation.

While skin and tissues may also sustain damage when bleach is not handled properly, the specific focus of the question is on materials rather than human safety. In terms of glass and ceramics, bleach generally does not cause harm, as these materials are resistant to chemical damage from bleach. Similarly, wood and paper can be affected by bleach, but they do not encounter the same immediate and severe degradation risks that plastics and metals do when exposed to bleach. Thus, understanding the chemical properties of bleach and its reactions with various substances helps clarify why plastics and certain metals are particularly at risk when bleach is misused.