Question: Recently, my 12 year old son was helping me clean the bathroom in our home and rather than come to me for help he decided to mix bleach-based anti-bacterial cleanser and an acid-based Shower Tub & Tile Cleaner.  It was horrible the house was so toxic that I could not breathe and had to open windows and step outside until the air cleared in the house.  I have been able to look at the MSDS for both products. I am not sure though exactly what the chemical reaction was. If you could explain this to me I would greatly appreciate it.

We hope that you and your son are okay.  Your unfortunate experience is one of the classic reasons why household cleaners should never be mixed together.  Many common household products contain serious hazards that are often understated, especially when the products are mixed.  

What most likely happened in your case was that when the bleach-based cleanser was mixed with the acid-based tub and tile cleaner, chlorine gas was released.  Chlorine is a primary ingredient in bleach, and is released as a toxic gas immediately when mixed with acids.  Chlorine gas is very corrosive to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.  It should never be breathed under any conditions.   Without trying to be too alarmist, chlorine gas can cause serious injury and even death.  To give you a frame of reference, chlorine gas was used in World War I as a weapon.  People often do not realize that they have products with these hazards under their sink right now.  The manufacturers of these products would argue that, when used correctly, the chance of exposure is low.  Why take the chance when safer cleaning alternatives exist?

The key attribute to a safer alternative cleaning product is a neutral pH, especially with children and pets around.  Even though it is a good idea never to mix any cleaners together, it can be said that products that have neutral pH are the safest alternative.  Neutral pH products do not contain bleach, are non-corrosive to skin and do not typically react with other products if accidental mixing occurs.  NEU Homecare products are one type of safer alternative that you may consider.  Unlike any other brand of products, all current NEU Homecare products have a neutral pH.

The unfortunate reality is that consumers will most likely not stop using bleach-based or acid-based products anytime soon, even if safer alternatives do exist.  If you are going to use them, try to use only one type in the home.  That is, buy only bleach-based products (cleanser, toilet bowl, etc.) or acid-based products but NOT BOTH, so that accidental mixing will not result in a chlorine gas release.  There are still serious exposure hazards to consider when using these common cleaning products.  Paying attention to those hazards before using those products is strongly recommended.  Making sure that products are never mixed is also mandatory.  Wearing proper safety equipment is also required.  Minimizing a child’s exposure to these products is definitely recommended.  You may also seriously consider trying a safer cleaning alternative.  As we say at NEU Homecare, cleaning does not have to be a hazardous undertaking.

I hope this information has been helpful.  Thanks again for your interest in NEU Homecare.

Sincerely;

The Formulation Chemist™

Actual question & Answer submitted to: www.neuhomecare.com