Cleaning with bleach can make you nauseous. This feeling is a common sign of mild exposure to the fumes released from the product. Household bleach is primarily a solution of sodium hypochlorite, a powerful disinfectant. When used, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces, the released compounds can irritate the body, often triggering symptoms like nausea or a headache.
Why Bleach Fumes Cause Physical Irritation
The sensation of nausea is a physical reaction to the volatile compounds released by the bleach solution. Sodium hypochlorite reacts with water and organic materials to release gases, including small amounts of chlorine gas, which creates the distinct, pungent odor. Even diluted household bleach can cause irritation when its fumes are inhaled.
These volatile compounds irritate the body’s mucous membranes in the nose, throat, and eyes. This irritation acts as a warning sign, leading to symptoms like burning eyes, coughing, and a sore throat. This discomfort can trigger a protective response in the body, often manifesting as queasiness or lightheadedness.
Immediate Steps When Feeling Sick
If you feel nauseous, lightheaded, or experience burning in your eyes or throat while cleaning, move away from the area and get to fresh air immediately. Open windows and doors to allow for maximum ventilation, and leave the room until the air has cleared.
If bleach solution has splashed onto your skin or eyes, flush the affected area with water for at least 15 minutes. Remove any contaminated clothing, taking care not to pull it over your head, and then shower with mild soap and water. If symptoms like severe coughing, difficulty breathing, or persistent nausea do not improve quickly, contact a poison control center for guidance.
The Danger of Mixing Bleach with Other Cleaners
The risk of severe nausea and other health issues increases if bleach is mixed with other common household products. Bleach should never be combined with cleaners containing ammonia or with acid-based products, which include vinegar, some toilet bowl cleaners, and rust removers. Mixing bleach with ammonia creates highly toxic gases called chloramines, while mixing it with an acid releases chlorine gas.
Exposure to these toxic gases can be life-threatening, even at low levels. Symptoms are immediate and severe, potentially including intense coughing, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and severe nausea or vomiting. The gases react with the moisture in the lungs and eyes to form corrosive acids, which can rapidly damage tissues. It is imperative to only use bleach by itself and never mix it with any other chemical agent.
Safe Use Guidelines and Prevention
Preventing nausea and irritation starts with ensuring proper ventilation when using bleach. Open a window, turn on an exhaust fan, or use a portable fan to draw fresh air into the area while cleaning. This helps disperse volatile compounds and prevents them from building up to irritating concentrations.
Follow the manufacturer’s directions for dilution, as using undiluted or overly concentrated bleach increases fume emission. Many disinfectant applications require only a small amount of bleach mixed with water. Wearing personal protective equipment, such as gloves and eye protection, can also prevent skin and eye contact, reducing irritation and discomfort.