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Drain cleaners contain very dangerous chemicals that can be harmful to your health if swallowed or breathed in (inhaled). This article discusses poisoning from swallowing or breathing in drain cleaner.
This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Poisonous IngredientSodium hydroxide
Where Found- Some drain cleaners
- Some aquarium products
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
Symptoms- Abdominal pain(severe)
- Breathing difficulty due to throat swelling
- Collapse
- Diarrhea
- Mouth pain (severe)
- Rapid drop in blood pressure
- Throat pain(severe)
- Severe burns and tissue damage
- Vomiting
Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.
If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person water or milk, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider. DO NOT give water or milk if the patient is having symptoms (such as vomiting, convulsions, or a decreased level of alertness) that make it hard to swallow.
DO NOT give vinegar or lemon juice, as this may cause more severe burning.
Before Calling EmergencyDetermine the following information:
- The patient's age, weight, and condition
- The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
- The time it was swallowed
- The amount swallowed
The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.
This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
See: Poison control center - emergency number
What to expect at the emergency roomThe health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive:
- Endoscopy -- camera down the throat to see burns in the esophagus and the stomach
- Fluids through a vein (IV)
- Oxygen
How well a patient does depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment was received. The faster a patient gets medical help, the better the chance for recovery.
Swallowing such poisons can have severe effects on many parts of the body. Damage continues to occur in the esophagus and stomach for several weeks after the drain cleaner was swallowed.
Death may occur as long as a month after the drain cleaner was swallowed.
ReferencesGoldfrank LR, ed. Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies. 8th ed. New York, NY: McGraw Hill; 2006.
Marx J. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2006:2380-2381.
What else can I help you with?
Have you ever used Zep sulfuric acid drain cleaner and what was your experience with it?
I have not personally used Zep sulfuric acid drain cleaner.
Which of these liquids is most acidic Ammonia Coca Cola drain cleaner or vinegar?
Drain cleaner is the most acidic liquid among the options listed. Ammonia, Coca Cola, and vinegar are not highly acidic substances compared to drain cleaner. Drain cleaner typically contains strong acids like sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid.
How effective is the fire water drain cleaner in clearing clogs and blockages in pipes?
The fire water drain cleaner is effective in clearing clogs and blockages in pipes.
Is drain cleaner a calcium hydroxide acid?
No, drain cleaner typically contains strong bases like sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, not acids. Calcium hydroxide is a strong base, not an acid. It is often used as a component in certain types of drain cleaners.
Is drain cleaner mixed with water and the solution becomes warm a chemical change?
Yes, the mixing of drain cleaner with water that produces heat is a chemical change. This is because the reaction between the drain cleaner and water is forming new substances with different properties, which is characteristic of a chemical change.
How do you neutralize drain cleaner?
If it is an alkali drain cleaner, you can add acidic materials in the drain cleaner such as lemons, If it is an acidic drain (less common) cleaner, you can add alkali materials such as toothpaste, soap
Is this drain cleaner safe for pipes?
Yes, this drain cleaner is safe for pipes.
Where does drain cleaner go after your done with it?
Drain cleaner pollutes the environment after it is poured down the drain. You should use green cleaners.
What is the best method for effectively cleaning a dishwasher drain using a dishwasher drain cleaner?
The best method for effectively cleaning a dishwasher drain using a dishwasher drain cleaner is to follow the instructions on the cleaner's packaging carefully. Typically, you would remove any debris from the drain, pour the cleaner into the drain, let it sit for the recommended time, and then run a hot water cycle to flush out the cleaner and debris.
What color is the drain cleaner Drain-O?
pink
Can i use drain cleaner in a washing machine drain?
yes
How do you unplug drain?
Either snake it or chemical drain cleaner.
Is drain cleaner pure or not pure?
It is not pure. Cleaner pure is different
Is drain cleaner a alkali?
Yes
Why is drain cleaner basic?
Because... IT IS
Have you ever used Zep sulfuric acid drain cleaner and what was your experience with it?
I have not personally used Zep sulfuric acid drain cleaner.
Drain Cleaner On A Budget?
Drain cleaner removes clogs and prevents messy overflows from sink and bathtub drains. One affordable drain cleaner contains ingredients found in any home pantry. To use this environmentally friendly cleaner, remove the plug from the drain. Measure _ cups of dry baking soda into the drain. Add _ cups of vinegar, and replace the plug to allow the resulting chemical reaction to work. After 30 minutes, remove the plug and carefully pour boiling water into the drain to complete this effective drain cleaner method.
