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Is inhaling bleach toxic

Updated: 8/10/2023
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12y ago

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By definition, a poison is a substance that causes injury, illness, or death, especially by chemical means. Bleach is caustic (corrosive) to the mouth, esophagus, larynx and stomach. It causes a chemical burn that can be fatal if not properly treated. If drank by a child or an adult, do not make the person vomit as the regurgitation can double the effect of the burning agent as it passes the above mentioned areas a second time. A stomach pump is the proper treatment. See the related link for more information and prevention suggestions.

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15y ago
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15y ago

Bleach has a comparatively high pH, making it a base (alkali as opposed to an acid). Acids and bases are both corrosive in that they tend to want to neutralize by breaking other susceptible compounds down, and equilizing the pH around 7.

Additionally, bleach "burns" because it is a very strong oxidizing agent, meaning it readily pulls electrons from whatever substances it is in contact with. Given that the majority of epithelial (skin) cells contain water and other negatively charged anions, there's a lot of electrons for the active ingredients in household bleach (sodium hypochlorite - NaClO) to pull. Thus, it damages skin and mucous membranes by reacting with them in an oxidizing manner (pulling electrons).

See this Wikipedia article for more information:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bleach#Hazards

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9y ago

why is bleach harmful to plants

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