Mixing common household cleaning products can cause serious injuries.
This fact sheet describes some of the hazards
of mixing chlorine bleach and other common household cleaning products, and a few
of the possible health effects.
Be sure to
always read the product labels before using household or institutional cleaning
products.
What is chlorine bleach, and where is it found in the home?
Sodium hypochlorite is the active ingredient in chlorine bleach.
It is found in household bleach and many
other disinfectants. Sodium hypochlorite
reacts with ammonia, drain cleaners, and other acids. Many household products state that they contain
bleach on the label.
Pool chemicals frequently contain calcium hypochlorite or sodium
hypochlorite, and should not be mixed with household cleaners.
Do not mix bleach and ammonia.
Do not mix bleach and acids.
Do not use two drain cleaners together, or one right after the
other.
Where are ammonia and
acids found in the home?
Ammonia:
In addition to ammonia purchased as a cleaning product,
ammonia may be found in the following:
some glass and window cleaners
urine (be careful if you clean cat litter boxes or use a
diaper pail)
some interior and exterior paints.
Acids:
Products containing acids include:
vinegar
some glass and window cleaners
some automatic dishwasher detergents and rinses
some toilet bowl cleaners
some drain cleaners
some lime, calcium and rust removal products
some brick and concrete cleaners
What are the dangers
of mixing these common cleaning products?
Mixing bleach and ammonia:
When bleach is mixed with ammonia, toxic gases called chloramines
are produced. Exposure to chloramine gases can cause:
coughing
shortness of breath
chest pain
wheezing
nausea
watery eyes
irritation to the throat, nose and eyes
pneumonia and fluid in the lungs
Mixing bleach and acids:
When chlorine bleach is mixed with an acid, chlorine gas is
given off. Chlorine gas and water combine to make hydrochloric and hypochlorous
acids.
Chlorine gas exposure, even at low levels, almost always
irritates the mucous membranes (eyes, throat, and nose), and causes coughing
and breathing problems, burning and watery eyes, and a runny nose. Higher
levels of exposure can cause chest pain, more severe breathing difficulties, vomiting,
pneumonia, and fluid in the lungs. Very high levels can cause death.
Chlorine can be absorbed through the skin, resulting in
pain, inflammation, swelling, and blistering. Hydrochloric acid also causes burns
to the skin, eyes, nose, throat, mouth and lungs.
Mixing bleach and other cleaning products:
Bleach also reacts with some oven cleaners, hydrogen
peroxide, and some insecticides.
Where can I get more information on bleach or on specific products?
The Chlorine Institute website provides consumers with much
information on bleach and other chlorine products. Especially helpful is the
Sodium Hypochlorite Incompatibility Chart. http://www.cl2.com/
(website)
The product label usually has a toll-free telephone number that
you can call to learn more about the product you have purchased. Most
manufacturers also have web sites with product information. Here are a few.
The Clorox Company, makers of Clorox® Bleach, Liquid
Plummer®, and other household and automotive cleaning products.
Church and Dwight Company Inc., makers of Parson’s Ammonia®,
SNOBOL Toilet Bowl Cleaner®, and the Arm and Hammer® line of products.
Proctor & Gamble, makers of Mr. Clean®, laundry
detergents, and other household products http://www.pg.com/
Reckitt Benckiser Inc., makers of Lysol®, Resolve®, Easy Off
Oven Cleaner®, and many other household and professional cleaning products. Material
Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available on their site.
Where can I report an emergency?
Your local Poison Information and Education Center:
Your local hospital emergency department:
Your health care provider:
Your local emergency services: 911 or 811, etc
