Bleach - Missouri Poison Center

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Low Risk

Also known as:

Clorox® liquid bleach

Video thumbnail: Bleach

Possible Symptoms

  • Upset stomach
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • "Slippery" feeling to exposed skin with minor irritation
  • Eye irritation

What to Do

  1. Wipe or rinse out the mouth.
  2. Give a serving size of water to drink.
  3. Rinse any exposed skin with lukewarm water and soap.
  4. Call 1-800-222-1222 for additional instructions.
If Exposed to Eyes
  1. Start rinsing eye(s) with lukewarm water.
  2. Call the Missouri Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for further recommendations.

When bleach is mixed with another cleaner such as ammonia, toxic gas is released causing burning and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. If this has occurred, ventilate the area by opening windows and move to fresh air immediately. Call the Missouri Poison Center right away for further treatment advice.

If the bleach product is more concentrated or “industrial strength” start rinsing skin or eyes and call the Missouri Poison Center right away for additional advice.

Additional Information

Quick Facts About Bleach:

Note:  If bleach has gotten into the eyes, or If the bleach product is more concentrated or “industrial strength”, call the Missouri Poison Center right away for additional instructions.

Typical household bleach products are 4-8% sodium hypochlorite, with the remaining 92-96% being water. Bleach is an irritant to the skin, the mucous membranes, and the gastrointestinal tract.

Accidental ingestion of 1-2 mouthfuls can cause minor mouth and throat irritation, stomach upset, and vomiting. Brief contact of household bleach on the skin can cause minor redness and irritation. Absorption through the skin is not expected when exposed to bleach for short periods.

Airborne mist from spraying bleach can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Any inhaled droplets get caught in the back of the throat and are not expected to get deep into the lung fields, so significant symptoms such as difficulty breathing and wheezing are not expected.

Important note on mixing cleaners

Special Note:  When bleach is mixed with ammonia-containing cleaners, chloramine gas is released. If it is mixed with an acid (such as vinegar and some toilet bowl cleaners), chlorine gas is released. Both chloramine and chlorine gases can cause burning and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.  Anticipated symptoms are coughing, chest tightness, hoarseness, wheezing, and headache.  If this occurs, ventilate the area and move to fresh air immediately. Call the Missouri Poison Center right away for further treatment advice.

If you find your child has swallowed household bleach, do not panic.  Take the bleach away from them and wash their hands thoroughly. Wipe out the mouth with a soft, wet cloth and give them some water to drink.  If problems start or you have questions, call the Missouri Poison Center right away at 1-800-222-1222.  The poison center is open all day, every day for poisoning emergencies and questions.

**Note: Don’t forget, every case is different. To make sure you are getting the best information for your individual situation, click below to call or chat. It is fast, free, and confidential.

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