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Who We Are
- About
  We are healthcare professionals, educators, and advocates keeping our communities healthy and safe
- News & Press Kit
  Press releases, organization fact sheet, and media contact info
- Financial Statements
  Our annual report, tax forms, and financial statements
- Careers
  Join us in our life-saving work
- Contact Us
  Get in touch with our team
What We Do
- Poison Center Helpline
  Free, specific and compassionate guidance available 24/7/365 at 1-800-222-1222
- Research & Advocacy
  Our impact on public health and legislative affairs
- Professional Education
  Healthcare facility lectures, clinical rotations, and summer internships
- Antidote Availability
  An up-to-date list of which hospitals stock specific poison antidotes
- Public Health Education
  Providing practical, easy-to-use information to help people make safer, healthier choices
- Data
  Data from incoming calls on exposures, substances, medical outcomes, and more
Education
- What to Do For…
  Expert guidance and fact sheets on common poison concerns
- Education Resources
  Access ready-to-use tools to help individuals, families, and communities prevent poisoning
- Glossary & General Poison Info
  Browse toxicology terms and frequently asked questions on exposures and toxins
- News & Alerts
  Safety updates, expert tips, and real stories
- Current Education Programs
  Explore our trainings and education initiatives to prevent poisoning and promote safety
- Order Materials
  Order free stickers, magnets, and more
Get Involved
- Donate
  Save lives and keep every Washingtonian safe and healthy.
- Become a Sponsor
  Support life-saving services in your community to show that you care.
- Volunteer
  Share your time and talents to make a difference.
- Partner With Us
  Collaborate and invest to strengthen the health of our communities.
- Meet Our Funders
  Celebrate the partners investing in our impact.
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Cleaners & Chemicals

Bleach

Bleach is commonly used for disinfecting and sanitizing around the home, as well as for laundry. Household products contain sodium hypochlorite as the active ingredient. Hypochlorites in higher concentrations may be used in industrial settings, and are considerably more caustic than those found around the house.

Caustic products such as hypochlorites can cause chemical burns to the body.

How toxic is it?

Contact the Washington Poison Center for help.

Bleach may damage or burn any part of the body it contacts, including the eyes, mouth, stomach, among others.

Common brands & formats

Common brands

Clorox®
Seventh Generation®
Multiple generic brands

Formulations

Liquid solutions available in milder concentrations for use in home, and higher concentrations for use in industrial settings.

What to do

If swallowed

Symptoms:

The main concern with all bleach products is tissue injury. It can cause redness, irritation, and burns to the mouth/throat/stomach.

What to do:

Contact poison center immediately
Be prepared to provide the following information:
- Exact name of the product, including brand name
- How much was swallowed
- Age, weight, medical conditions and allergies of the person who swallowed it
- Current symptoms, if any
- Specific treatments or remedies already done
- How and when it happened, or for how long it has been happening

Do not induce vomiting

Call 911 if any difficulty breathing, swallowing, or experiencing vomit with blood in it

If in eyes

If inhaled

Symptoms:

Inhalation of fumes can cause nausea, vomiting, and headache. If product aspirated can see coughing, choking, shortness of breath, and lung injury.

What to do

Get fresh air to help with nausea/vomiting/headache. If any wheezing/persistent cough, call 911 for evaluation.

Mixing of bleach and other cleaning chemicals can make chlorine gas or chloramine gas. These are irritating to the lungs and may result in severe injury.

Splashed on skin