Bleach can cause irritation to the skin and the gastrointestinal tract. Minor mouth and throat irritation, stomach upset and vomiting can be caused by accidental ingestion of 1-2 mouthfuls. Minor redness and irritation can be caused by brief contact of household bleach with the skin.
Inhalation of bleach may cause irritation of the respiratory tract, eyes, nose, throat and sinuses. Ingestion of large amounts of water-soluble bleach in the lungs can result in pulmonary edema and respiratory failure.
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How quickly does bleach poisoning set in?
Symptoms start within minutes in most cases of household bleach that has beendiluted in water. These include redness and irritation on the skin and in and around the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat, as well as heavy drooling in cats. If you suspect that your cat has ingested bleach, call your veterinarian immediately. If your pet is vomiting, you may need to administer intravenous fluids to dilute the bleach.
Is bleach poisonous to humans?
Household bleach (sodium hydroxide) is not technically speaking considered corrosive or toxic, even if ingested. Exposure to bleach can cause irritation in the eyes, mouth, lungs, and skin. Individuals with asthma or other breathing problems are more susceptible to the effects of bleach. Bleach can also be used as a disinfectant.
Bleach can be applied to surfaces such as carpets, upholstered furniture, and other surfaces that may be in contact with food or water. It is important to note that bleach does not kill germs, but it does remove them from the surface of the item being disinfected.
This is why it is often recommended to use bleach only on items that are not likely to be exposed to food, water, or air.
What should I do if my child drinks bleach?
If your child drinks bleach or ingests it, first spit out anything that might remain in your mouth or encourage your child to do so. Don’t attempt to deal with the situation on your own. Give the details of what you’ve been through when you call for an ambulance. If you’re not sure what type of bleach is being used, ask your pharmacist for a list of common household bleach brands.
How long is bleach toxic?
Bleach degrades after six months. bleach becomes less effective as it sits in the bottle, even in its original bottle. So, if you’re going to use bleach, make sure it’s the right kind for the job.
What happens if I drink thick bleach?
Ingestion of sodium hypochlorite solution very commonly causes gastrointestinal irritation, with nausea and vomiting. It may happen with concentrated solutions. Unless contact is lengthy or the amount of bleach used is excessive, household bleaches are not likely to cause severe irritation. Inhalation of concentrated bleach solutions may cause irritation of the respiratory tract, especially if the concentration is too high. If irritation occurs, discontinue use and seek medical attention.
How do you fix bleach poisoning?
The treatment focuses on removing chlorine from the body as quickly as possible and may involve the use of medication. Chlorine poisoning can be fatal if it is not treated quickly.
