By: Isabel Fernandez | LVSJ
Industry isn’t the only place it could happen poisoned with chemicals.Look for clean and perfect sanitization, we could be putting our health at risk in our own homes through ignorance or negligence.
Many times, to enhance their actions, they will cleaning products, but it doesn’t, because the mixture doesn’t make them stronger or more effective. You also have to be careful of “miracle recipes” that are spread on social networks.
A toxic substance is any substance that can have harmful effects when it enters our body. It can penetrate the skin, or if swallowed, through a cut or puncture, or through breathing, therefore, it can affect different systems of our body.
The effects of poisoning can be mild, such as headache, nausea, skin irritation, or serious, such as seizures, coma, or even death. The effects depend on the type of substance, the route of entry, the dose received and the age of the poisoned person.
Therefore, be careful with explosive mixtures in your home, as the misuse of these products can have serious health consequences.
What are some of the cleaning products we use regularly that may be toxic? Which should not be mixed?he Bachelor of Science health and safetyFernando Paladino ensure voice of holy justice that, at home, “Toxic substances include cleaning products, gardening products, car care, expired medications, DIY games or art products. The formulations of all these substances consist of substances completely unknown to us, which, as we have already mentioned, can be more or less harmful to health due to abuse. “
“There is a need to know what these types of substances are and why we should keep them away from children, the elderly or our pets, where they may pose an imminent danger to their health and integrity. In this way, we can promote conservation Everyone in the family,” the attorney said.
Of the myriad of cleaning products that could be toxic, Paladino recalls, include bleach (bleach/sodium hypochlorite), the preeminent sanitizer of COVID-19; all-purpose liquids, laundry soap, dishwashing liquid, glass Cleaners, furniture polishes, floor fresheners, shoe and floor polishes, ammonia, and more. “It is very important to read and follow the directions for use and proper storage of these products to avoid accidental or intentional exposure.”
dangerous combination
Although people think mix different cleaning products, The result will be much better, besides being wrong, it’s ok endanger everyone’s health. Some chemical products “don’t mix, Because, in most cases, When combined, vapors are produced that can cause serious breathing problems and even burns.”
He then details the different combinations of bleach with other potentially dangerous products:
- Bleach (or chlorine) and ammonia. The vapors from this combination can cause serious problems for the respiratory system. Its mixture produces a gas called chloramine (NH2Cl), which, when it comes in contact with mucous membranes, breaks down into toxic and highly corrosive hydrochloric acid.
- Bleach and Alcohol. This combination produces chloroform and hydrochloric acid. Its vapors can damage eyes, skin, lungs, kidneys, liver and nervous system.Chloroform can also cause loss of consciousness, dizziness, nausea, and in extreme cases, death
- bleach and vinegar or citrus– This mixture produces highly toxic chemical fumes that may cause severe burns to the eyes and respiratory tract. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which produces chlorine gas when mixed with bleach.
- Bleach and other cleaning productsExamples include cleaners, glass cleaners, dishwashers, bathroom cleaners, oven cleaners, floor cleaners or wood cleaners. This mixture produces chlorine gas, which can cause respiratory and eye problems with minimal exposure.
- vinegar and hydrogen peroxide (hydrogen peroxide). This mixture produces peracetic acid (peracetic acid), which can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Prolonged exposure may cause permanent lung damage.
- Bleach and hydrochloric acid or hydrochloric acid. This releases the toxic substance chlorine Cl2. It can be fatal, causing skin contact burns, rhinitis, bronchitis, laryngitis, pneumonia, and/or headaches.
If poisoned, please go to the hospital for care
luckily in Guards at the “JB Iturraspe” hospital, this type of intoxication is not the most common in emergency situations, although intoxications related to substance abuse, drugs, alcohol, and drugs are the most common. Regardless, duty professionals are trained to deal with these incidents.
I promise Surgeon, GP and Emergency Specialist, Hospital Guard Captain Daniela Fernández (MP-21871; ME-8827; ME-14907) who clarified Poisoning from bleach and other cleaning products “tends to be more common in children because they keep them within easy reach, although that’s not a lot.”
The doctor emphasized that due to the low number of consultations, “it is noteworthy that people are aware of the use, handling and labeling of these household hygiene products. It can be said that these accidents are not the most frequent in emergency situations”.
“Currently, the most common intoxication events we see are caused by substance abuse, particularly psychoactive drugs, and problematic use of substances such as cocaine, marijuana, and other specialty drugs, particularly among adolescents and adults,” He said. explain.
What to do in case of poisoning?
As a first measure, call the emergency services or go to the hospital guards and they will instruct you on how to act before you arrive, and depending on how the person came into contact with the product that poisoned him:
• If you have touched it: Undress the area and wash with plenty of water for 15 or 20 minutes. Use water only.
• if you breathe it: Take the injured person to an open, well-ventilated area and hand them over to a guard immediately.
• If splashed in eyes: Use a soft cloth or paper to wipe off any remaining product on your face. Rinse the eyes with plenty of cold running water and let the water run through the eyes for about 20 minutes. Check eyes, eyelashes and surrounding areas for product residue.
• If you drink or swallow it: Do not make the person vomit or drink anything if they are having trouble swallowing, appear to be asleep, are disoriented, or are unconscious.
In case of poisoning of any kind, you must urgently go to the emergency department of a hospital that is trained to deal with this problem and is part of the Toxicology Network of Córdoba, or call the Posadas Hospital National Poison Center 0800-333- 0160.
Basic Tips for Avoiding Accidents
Mixing cleaning products can be very dangerous.he Bachelor of Health and Safety, Fernando Paladinooffers the following basic advice to avoid accidents:
• read labels carefully And strictly follow the instructions for preparation and use. In products to be diluted, prepare no more than will be used.
• store in original container, with its label and description. Do not store them with food, beverages, cosmetics or medicines, or leave them on the counter as they can contaminate food.
• Dispensers, funnels and containers must be stored with product and not used for other purposes.
• wear gloves to manipulate them.
• Ventilate the environment when using products that emit vapors or penetrating odors. Do not identify them by tasting or inhaling the product.
• After use wash your hands with soap and water.
• Do not mix products from different brands.
• If you must dilute an acidic or alkaline product such as hydrochloric acid or caustic soda or something in water, be sure to add the product to the water, not the other way around. Avoid reactions that generate heat and splashes.
• Use extra caution when using these products if you are allergic.