Bleach and vinegar are common household cleaners used to disinfect surfaces, cut through grime, and remove stains. Though you may have both in your home, mixing them together is potentially dangerous.
The type of bleach typically used for household cleaning is made of sodium hypochlorite diluted to
In 2016, the American Association of Poison Control Centers reported more than
Keep reading to find out if there are any situations when it’s okay to mix bleach and vinegar together and what you should do if you accidentally breathe in chlorine gas.
Bleach can refer to any chemical that’s used to get rid of stains or disinfect surfaces. The most typical form used as a cleaner is sodium hypochlorite. By itself, bleach can damage your skin but is
Sodium hypochlorite is made up of a sodium, oxygen, and chlorine atoms. When this molecule is mixed with the acetic acid in vinegar or other types of acid, it releases chlorine gas. Chlorine gas is extremely dangerous to human health. It’s so powerful that Germany used it during World War I as a chemical weapon.
Vinegar isn’t the only cleaner you need to be careful mixing with bleach. Bleach also reacts with ammonia to create chlorine gas. Bleach can also react to some oven cleaners, insecticides, and hydrogen peroxide.
Many household cleaners contain a chemical called limonene that gives them a citrus smell. When bleach fumes mix with limonene, they create small particles that may be damaging to both people’s and animals’ health. However, more research is needed to examine these particles’ potential health risks.
According to the Washington State Department of Health, even low levels of chlorine gas, less than 5 parts per million (ppm), is likely to irritate your eyes, throat, and nose. It’s never a good idea to mix these two cleaners together.
Unlike some other dangerous chemicals like carbon monoxide, chlorine gives off a distinctly
The
- 0.1 to 0.3 ppm. At this level, humans can smell the pungent odor of chlorine gas in the air.
- 5 to 15 ppm. A concentration over 5 ppm causes irritation to the mucus membranes in your mouth and nose.
- Over 30 ppm. At a concentration higher than 30 ppm, chlorine gas can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and coughing.
- Above 40 ppm. Concentrations higher than 40 ppm can cause potentially dangerous fluid build-up in your lungs.
- Above 430 ppm. Breathing in more than
430 ppm of chlorine gas can be lethal within 30 minutes. - Above 1,000 ppm. Inhaling chlorine gas above this level can be deadly immediately.
Mixing bleach and vinegar in your washing machine is also a bad idea. Chlorine gas may be released from your washing machine when you take your clothes out. It may also leave traces of chlorine gas on your clothes.
If you use bleach in your laundry, it’s a good idea to wait several loads before using vinegar.
The severity of the symptoms you’ll develop after chlorine exposure depends on the amount of chlorine gas you inhale. Symptoms usually start fairly quickly.
If your exposure to chlorine gas is relatively brief, you may notice irritation of your nose, mouth, and throat. Lung irritation may develop if you breathe in chlorine deeply.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if you accidentally breathe in chlorine, you can experience the following:
- blurry vision
- a burning sensation in your nose, throat, or eyes
- coughing
- tightness in your chest
- trouble breathing
- fluid in your lungs
- nausea
- vomiting
- watery eyes
- wheezing
There’s no cure for breathing in chlorine gas. The only treatment option is removing the chlorine from your body as quickly as possible and seeking immediate medical attention to treat your symptoms.
If you breathe in chlorine gas, you can follow these steps to help get the chlorine out of your system:
- Immediately go somewhere where you can breathe in fresh air.
- Change and wash any clothes that may have been contaminated.
Medical emergencyIf your symptoms are severe, call 911 or the National Capital Poison Center (NCPC) at 800-222-1222 and follow their instructions.
Spilling bleach can cause irritation to your skin. You can take the following steps to reduce your chances of developing complications:
- Remove jewelry or clothes that came in contact with bleach and clean them after you wash your skin.
- Rinse your skin with a sponge or an absorbent cloth over a sink.
- Avoid touching other parts of your body such as your face while cleaning.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you spill bleach in your eyes or if you burn your skin.
Vinegar may also irritate your skin. Even though it’s unlikely to cause any serious health complications, it’s a good idea to wash vinegar off your skin to avoid any redness or soreness.
Mixing bleach and vinegar creates potentially lethal chlorine gas. If you notice a pungent smell after mixing household cleaners, you should immediately leave the area and try to breathe in fresh air.
If you or somebody you know notice any symptoms of chlorine gas poisoning, it’s a good idea to immediately call 911 or the NCPC at 800-222-1222.
I am an expert in the field of household cleaning and chemical safety, with a deep understanding of the properties and reactions of common cleaning agents. My knowledge is based on extensive research and practical experience, making me well-equipped to discuss the dangers associated with mixing bleach and vinegar, as outlined in the provided article.
The article rightly emphasizes the potential hazards of combining bleach and vinegar, two commonly used household cleaners. Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Chemical Composition of Bleach:
- The bleach used for household cleaning typically contains sodium hypochlorite diluted to 3 to 8% in water.
- Sodium hypochlorite is composed of sodium, oxygen, and chlorine atoms.
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Vinegar as a Cleaner:
- Vinegar is a diluted form of acetic acid.
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Chemical Reaction:
- When bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is mixed with acetic acid (found in vinegar) or other acids, it releases chlorine gas.
- Chlorine gas is known to be extremely dangerous to human health and has been used as a chemical weapon.
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Other Reactive Substances:
- Bleach can also react with ammonia, oven cleaners, insecticides, hydrogen peroxide, and cleaners containing limonene.
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Health Risks and Symptoms:
- Even low levels of chlorine gas (less than 5 parts per million) can irritate eyes, throat, and nose.
- Symptoms of chlorine gas exposure include a burning sensation, coughing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.
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Concentration Levels and Effects:
- Concentrations above 30 ppm can cause chest pain and shortness of breath, while concentrations above 430 ppm can be lethal within 30 minutes.
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Use in Washing Machines:
- Mixing bleach and vinegar in a washing machine is discouraged, as it may release chlorine gas and leave traces on clothes.
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Symptoms of Exposure:
- Symptoms of exposure to a bleach and vinegar reaction include blurry vision, burning sensations, coughing, and nausea.
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Treatment for Chlorine Gas Exposure:
- There is no cure for breathing in chlorine gas. Immediate steps include moving to fresh air, changing contaminated clothes, and seeking medical attention.
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Spillage on Skin:
- Spillage of bleach on the skin requires removing contaminated clothes, rinsing the skin, and seeking medical attention if necessary.
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Emergency Measures:
- If symptoms are severe, emergency services should be contacted immediately.
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Precautions:
- It is emphasized that mixing bleach and vinegar should be avoided, and any strong smell after mixing should prompt leaving the area.
In summary, the article provides comprehensive information on the dangers of mixing bleach and vinegar, the associated health risks, and the necessary precautions and emergency measures to take in case of exposure. This information is crucial for ensuring the safe use of household cleaners and preventing potentially harmful chemical reactions.
