Household Cleaning Product Safety

Mixing bleach and common cleaning products can cause serious injury or even death. 

It is important to use cleaning products only as directed in the instructions.

Never mix cleaning products, especially anything containing bleach. Mixing bleach with other cleaning products like drain openers, ammonia, or products with acids (such as lime, calcium, or rust removers and some dishwasher detergents) can release toxic gases.

Mixing bleach with ammonia creates chloramine gases which can cause coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing, nausea, watery eyes, and irritation of the throat, nose, and eyes. In serious cases, it can lead to pneumonia and fluid in the lungs.

When chlorine bleach is mixed with an acid, chlorine gas is produced. Even low levels of chlorine gas for short periods can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat, and cause coughing and breathing problems. Higher levels can lead to chest pain, severe breathing trouble, vomiting, and lung damage. Very high levels can be fatal.

Dangerous Chemical Combinations – Do Not Mix Bleach with other products like:

• Ammonia – Creates toxic gases that can damage the lungs and burn the throat.
• Vinegar – Produces harmful vapors, including chlorine, which can burn the eyes and lungs.
• Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) – Forms chloroform, which can cause dizziness, nausea, headaches, and even loss of consciousness.
• Mildew stain removers – Can release chlorine gas and irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs
• Toilet bowl cleaners – May give off toxic fumes that can burn the throat and lungs.
• Oven cleaner – Can produce chlorine gas and cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and respiratory system.
• Lemon juice – Its natural acids can react with bleach to release chlorine gas.
• Drain cleaner – Can create toxic chlorine gas and may lead to long-term health issues.

Other hazardous mixes include:

• Different brands of drain cleaners can react dangerously when combined. Never mix them.
• Hydrogen peroxide and vinegar together form peracetic acid, which can irritate the eyes, skin, and lungs.

Remember, when using cleaning products:

• Keep chemicals in their original containers and make sure all containers are clearly labeled with instructions.
• Keep all cleaning products in secure locations so children and pets cannot get to them.
• Keep areas well-ventilated when using cleaning products by opening windows or turning on exhaust fans.
• Wear personal protective equipment such as gloves to avoid contact with cleaning products.

If you have a question about the proper use of cleaning products or if someone may have been exposed to one, contact the 24/7 NJ Poison Center Help Line: 1-800-222-1222.

For more information visit: nj.gov or njpies.org

Source: NJDOH