In a report by HuffPost, one of the most common mistakes people make in household cleaning is mixing vinegar and bleach, which poses a serious threat to health and safety. Kait Brown, Clinical Director of America’s Poison Centers, stated that chlorine is a common chemical found in household bleach, and when mixed with other cleaning products like vinegar, dangerous gases can form.
“When bleach is mixed with acids like vinegar, harmful chlorine gas is produced,” Brown explained. This mistake is quite common, as the American Poison Centers handled over 5,000 cases in 2023 involving the mixing of household cleaning products to produce chlorine gas.
Maryann Amirshahi, Emergency Medicine Professor at Georgetown University School of Medicine and Medical Director of the National Capital Poison Center, added that many other cleaning products can also generate chlorine gas when mixed, such as combining bleach with toilet or oven cleaners.
The most common issue with mixing cleaning agents is the release of toxic gases or the formation of corrosive substances that can cause chemical burns, according to Amirshahi.
Chlorine gas is highly irritating and can cause coughing, difficulty breathing, burning sensation in the mouth and throat, headaches, dizziness, and skin irritation when inhaled or exposed to, as highlighted by Brown.
With increased chlorine gas concentration and exposure time, symptoms can worsen, resulting in chest pain, lung damage, and other severe problems, explained Mark Conroy, an emergency room physician at Ohio State University Medical Center.
When the concentration of chlorine gas in the air exceeds 1,000 ppm, it can be fatal, said Scott Phillips, Executive Director and Medical Director of Washington Poison Center. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid mixing household cleaning products and to follow safety instructions while wearing protective gear to minimize exposure to gases emitted by cleaning agents.
Amirshahi emphasized the importance of storing all cleaning products out of children’s reach due to their toxic nature and advised seeking expert assistance from poison centers if someone comes into contact with cleaning products or their mixtures.
When chlorine gas is released due to mixing cleaning products, you may notice its yellow-green color and strong pungent odor. Conroy suggested leaving the area immediately if a strong odor is detected and ventilating the space by opening windows or using fans.
Providing fresh air to the affected area is essential to dilute the negative effects of chlorine gas, added Phillips. If coughing or breathing difficulties persist, calling emergency services is recommended.
After ventilating the area, waiting for the dissipation of chlorine gas before returning is crucial, remarked Amirshahi. In cases of severe exposure, taking a shower and changing clothes is advised, and rinsing the eyes with water for 10 to 15 minutes if experiencing eye irritation.