Household bleach is used for cleaning and disinfecting and can also be used in “bleach baths” as a medical treatment for atopic dermatitis. Swallowing, inhaling, or injecting bleach can cause serious medical problems.
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A variety of cleaning products are available to maintain wood floors. Wood floor cleaners are usually based on hydrocarbons, detergents, or glycol ether solvents. Each type carries its own precautions and potential adverse effects. Floor cleaners can also contain alcohol, weak acids, or alkaline chemicals to strengthen their cleaning properties.
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Liquid drain cleaners contain potentially poisonous acidic or basic compounds, enzymes, and bacteria that are effective in clearing clogged drains. Since many drain cleaners contain highly concentrated corrosive chemicals, they must be used with great caution. Consumption of non-enzymatic drain cleaners can result in serious burns, permanent tissue damage, and even death.
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Oven and grill cleaners are usually highly caustic. Upon contact with any tissue, they can cause damage ranging from irritation to severe burns.
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There are many sources of bad smells in and around the home including spoiled food, mold, volatile organic chemicals, leaky or backed-up pipes and drains, and pet odors. Mixing some household cleaners such as bleach and ammonia or acid can produce toxic fumes. Some toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide are odorless. Symptoms of toxicity will depend on the gas.
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Soaps are anionic surfactants used for washing and cleaning. Swallowing a small amount of soap is usually not harmful. It can irritate the mouth and throat and cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some people may be allergic to some of the ingredients in soap, which can result in difficulty breathing, skin irritation and rashes.
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A clean home provides a healthy environment for your family, but household cleaning products can contain hazardous chemicals. It's important to be aware of the most common cleaner ingredients, what they are intended (and not intended) to do, and how to use them safely.
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Melioidosis is a serious infection caused by the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei. Humans can be exposed to the bacteria through contact with contaminated water or soil in tropical countries. In 2021, an outbreak of melioidosis occurred in the US due to contaminated aromatherapy spray.
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Povidone is found in both medical and household items and can cause mild symptoms with large ingestions. Povidone iodine is a common antiseptic used to disinfect the skin, eyes, and vagina. When used correctly, povidone iodine might cause mild side effects, but it can cause major problems when used incorrectly.
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Liquid laundry detergent, a common cleaning item found in nearly every home, contains ingredients that may be harmful if mishandled. Detergents in any formulation (liquid, powder, or pods) may cause allergic reactions in some people, ranging mild skin rash to severe difficulty breathing. These reactions usually resolve quickly with treatment.
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