Did you know that mixing common cleaning products together can produce many dangerous side effects?

Mixing bleach and ammonia:

When bleach is mixed with ammonia, toxic gases called chloramines are produced. Exposure to chloramine gas 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 produced. Chlorine gas and water combine to make hydrochloric or 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, welling 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.

Are you interested in how KMD can help prevent health issues at work? Contact us today for a consultation!