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.
Table of Contents
What would happen if you accidentally drink bleach?
If it contacts tissues, it can cause injury. Swallowing sodium hypochlorite can lead to poisoning. If the product is mixed with other chemicals, breathing the fumes may cause poisoning.
How quickly does bleach poisoning set in?
Most of the time, the symptoms of household bleach that has been in the water will begin within minutes. 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.
What happens when you drink cleaning products?
Swallowing liquid or granular dishwasher or laundry detergent can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms can range from vomiting and drowsiness to aspiration and respiratory distress, if you ingest a detergent Pod. If you experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain, call the Poison Control hotline or seek other medical attention.
What does bleach taste like?
It tastes like an extremely concentrated swimming pool water. It’s really salty and has a kick to it. Needless to , it burns in the mouth. Tasting bleach will burn a layer of your mouth cells, but it will also make you lose the ability to taste anything else. So, if you’re going to use bleach, make sure you use it in a well-ventilated area.
Why is Clorox harmful?
Bleach is corrosive, which means it can irritate or burn your skin or eyes. It can also cause damage to metals. Toxic gases can damage your lungs or cause respiratory problems, when mixed with other chemicals or cleaners.
It is not recommended to mix bleach with any other cleaning products, such as dishwashing detergents, soaps, or bleach-based cleaners. This is because the chemicals used in these products can react with the bleach, causing it to release toxic fumes.
What happens if you drink Clorox wipes?
May cause stomach pain or vomiting. The same symptoms as inhaling smoke are caused by fumes from the stomach contents. Inhalation of smoke may cause shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Breathing in smoke can be difficult for some people, especially those with asthma or other breathing problems. If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in this product, stop using it and consult your doctor.
What happens if you drink floor cleaner?
In humans, anionic/nonionic detergent-based floor cleaners have very low toxicity. These cleaners have wetting and foaming properties. They could cause gastrointestinal irritation if swallowed. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, consult your healthcare provider before using this product.
What happens if you drink drain cleaner?
Swallowing this type of poison can have severe effects on many parts of the body. Damage to the esophagus and stomach continues to occur for several weeks after the sodium hydroxide was swallowed. Death may occur in as little as a few days.
How can you get bleach out of your system?
Poison control can walk you through what to do if you ingest bleach and whether you need to go to the hospital. If you only have a small amount of sodium hypochlorite in your system, you only need to drink 4 to 8 ounces of water to get rid of it.
What happens if you drink chlorine?
Respiratory symptoms include coughing, difficulty breathing, and fluid inside the lungs. burning in the mouth is one of the Digestive System symptoms. Chlorine poisoning can be fatal if not treated promptly. Symptoms can last from a few hours to several days, depending on the amount of exposure and how long the victim has been exposed to the chlorine gas.
