MANY IV DRUG USERS DON'T KNOW HOW TO USE BLEACH.

Injecting-drug users (IDUs) who reuse injection equipment are at high risk for HIV infection. However, cleaning this equipment with household bleach reduces the risk of transmission if the bleach is applied at full strength for at least 30 seconds. This survey shows widespread ignorance about the proper use of bleach in the population that would benefit the most from correct use.

Of the 290 active IDUs in a methadone treatment program in Manhattan, one fifth admitted to sharing equipment, but only one fourth of these used bleach consistently. Further, only one third of all survey participants knew both the correct concentration of bleach and the minimum time needed for adequate disinfection.