Ammonia & Bleach Inhalation: Immediate Health Risks & What to Do

Never mix ammonia and bleach. They react to form chloramine gas (NH₂Cl, NHCl₂, NCl₃) and potentially hydrazine—both highly toxic. Inhalation is a medical emergency.

Immediate Actions

1. Evacuate immediately to fresh air (outdoors preferred).
2. Call 911 / Poison Control (1-800-222-1222 US).
3. Do not re-enter until ventilated and cleared by professionals.

Acute Health Effects

• Respiratory: Coughing, wheezing, dyspnea, laryngospasm, pulmonary edema, ARDS.
• Ocular: Burning, tearing, corneal damage.
• Dermal: Irritation, chemical burns.
• GI: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain.
• Systemic: Headache, dizziness, confusion, methemoglobinemia (hydrazine).

First Aid While Awaiting EMS

• Remove contaminated clothing; rinse skin 15+ min with water.
• Flush eyes 15+ min with water/saline.
• Do not induce vomiting.
• Sip water if swallowing not impaired.
• Keep calm, semi-upright if breathing difficulty.

Medical Treatment

• Oxygen, bronchodilators (albuterol), corticosteroids (inhaled/IV) for airway inflammation.
• Intubation/mechanical ventilation if severe.
• Methylene blue for methemoglobinemia.
• Observation 6–24h for delayed pulmonary edema.

Prevention

• Read labels; never mix cleaning products.
• Use one product at a time; ventilate well.
• Store separately.