Sodium hypochlorite poisoning

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Bleach; Clorox; Carrel-Dakin solution

Watered-down (diluted) sodium hypochlorite generally causes only mild stomach irritation. Swallowing larger amounts can cause more serious symptoms.

NEVER mix ammonia with sodium hypochlorite (bleach or bleach-containing products). This common household error produces a toxic gas that can cause choking and serious breathing problems.

Symptoms of sodium hypochlorite poisoning may include:

• Airways and lungs
  • Coughing (from the fumes)
• Eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat
  • Burning, red eyes
  • Gagging sensation
  • Pain in the mouth
  • Pain in the throat
  • Possible burns on esophagus
• Heart and blood vessels
  • Chest pain
  • Low blood pressure
  • Slow heartbeat
  • Shock
• Nervous system
  • Delirium
  • Coma
• Skin
  • Irritation of the exposed area
  • Burns
  • Blistering
• Stomach and intestines
  • Stomach or abdominal pain
  • Vomiting

Review Date: 02/02/2011
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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