CHLORINE BLEACH-
HEALTH HAZARDS OF MIXING WITH SOME OTHER COMMON HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS

Chlorine bleach, which contains the active ingredient Sodium hypochlorite, is one of the most important and probably one of the most widely used common cleaning products in the home.

At ABC, we offer suggestions for in-home cleaning with common 'natural' cleaners vs. commercial cleaners which may contain toxic chemicals.  However, it is important to remember that certain of those 'natural' cleaners should NEVER be used together or dire health consequences could occur. 

READ LABELS FIRST!

It is of utmost importance to understand that many other household cleaning products may contain bleach (one such example is pool chemicals) and window and glass cleaners may contain ammonia, so it is extremely important to read the labels of all products before using.

MIXING  CHLORINE BLEACH
WITH AMMONIA OR ACIDS

Bleach should never be used with AMMONIA or ACIDS or any product containing either of these.

PRODUCTS THAT MAY CONTAIN AMMONIA:

• Various glass and window cleaners
• Urine such as in diapers pails and cat litter boxes
• Some interior and exterior paints

PRODUCTS THAT MAY CONTAIN ACIDS:

• Vinegar
• Various glass and window cleaners
• Certain automatic dishwasher detergents and rinses
• Some toilet bowl cleaners
• Some drain cleaners (NEVER USE 2 DRAIN CLEANERS TOGETHER or ONE DRAIN CLEANER AFTER THE OTHER!)
• Some lime, calcium, and rust removal products
• Some brick and concrete cleaners

ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS  THAT MAY CAUSE REACTIONS:

• Some oven cleaners
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Some insecticides
  
  

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH HAZARDS?

Toxic gases are produced.  Exposure to these gases can cause the following to occur:

MIXING WITH AMMONIA (chloramines):

• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Wheezing
• Nausea
• Watery eyes
• Irritation to throat, nose, and eyes
• Pneumonia and fluid in the lungs

MIXING WITH ACIDS

This will produce chlorine gas.  Chlorine gas + water=hydrochloric and hypochlorous acids:

At low levels:

• Irritation to mucous membranes (eyes, throat, and nose)
• Coughing and breathing problems
• Burning and water eyes
• Runny nose

At higher levels:

• Chest pain
• Severe breathing difficulties
• Vomiting
• Pneumonia and fluid in the lungs

At very high levels:
Death

NOTE: Chlorine can also be absorbed through the skin causing pain, inflammation, swelling, and blistering. Hydrochloric acid causes burns to the skin, eyes, nose, throat, mouth, and lungs.

MIXING WITH RUBBING ALCOHOL

Chloroform could be produced if the above items should be used together.

• Severe damage to nervous system, lungs, and kidneys.
• Death

The active ingredient in chlorine bleach, sodium hypochlorite, produces a negative reaction with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing Alcohol) or ethanol.

WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY:

In any emergency, please call 911.  You can also call your local poison control center or your local hospital emergency department.

For more information, please click here.

---

Top of Chlorine Bleach-Hazards of Mixing

Back to Articles

Back to Homepage