Other harmful ingredients include ammonia and bleach. Even natural fragrances such as citrus can react to produce dangerous pollutants indoors. VOCs and other chemicals released when using cleaning supplies contribute to chronic respiratory problems, allergic reactions and headaches.
Why does my head hurt after using bleach?
It's also possible that the chemicals in bleaching products may cause scalp irritation in the form of contact dermatitis. If this happens, you may notice the following scalp symptoms after bleaching:
itchiness
.
skin redness or swelling
.
How do you get rid of a bleach headache?
- Immediately rinse the product from your scalp using water. Wear gloves to protect your hands.
- Continue flushing the affected area with cool running water for at least 10 minutes. …
- Avoid rubbing, scratching, or wiping your scalp.
Can bleach fumes cause migraine?
After less than 30 minutes of exposure, 70% of people with migraine reported an odor-triggered headache, while none of the participants reported a tension headache. Two major triggers were perfumed cleaning products and bleach. However, fragrance isn't the only
culprit
!
What happens when you inhale too much bleach?
Breathing high amounts of chlorine gas can lead to a build-up of fluid in the lungs and
severe shortness of breath
that could lead to death if untreated. Immediately or within a few hours after breathing chlorine gas, the lungs can become irritated, causing coughing and/or shortness of breath.
Why do I still smell bleach after cleaning?
The odor that is noticeable is actually
caused by the chemical reaction that occurs when bleach begins to break down proteins
, such as those that make up HAI-causing pathogens. The more frequently that surfaces are disinfected with bleach, the fewer proteins will be on the surface for the next disinfection.
Is it bad to breathe in cleaning chemicals?
When mixed, the contents of certain cleaners can trigger dangerous chemical reactions, such as the combination of ammonia and bleach. Mixing them produces
toxic fumes
that, when inhaled, cause coughing; difficulty breathing; and irritation of the throat, eyes and nose.
What is a natural substitute for bleach?
- Baking Soda. Baking soda is a safe bleach alternative that you can find at home. …
- Distilled White Vinegar. Distilled white vinegar is a bleach substitute that you can use with ease. …
- Hydrogen Peroxide. …
- Lemons. …
- Oxygen-Based Bleach. …
- Solar Power.
Why do fumes cause headaches?
Certain fumes and
vapors can cause the blood vessels of the susceptible person to swell and dilate
, triggering a migraine headache. Carbon monoxide poisoning from a poorly ventilated environment can provoke a headache.
How do you detox after inhaling chemicals?
- Steam therapy. Steam therapy, or steam inhalation, involves inhaling water vapor to open the airways and help the lungs drain mucus. …
- Controlled coughing. …
- Drain mucus from the lungs. …
- Exercise. …
- Green tea. …
- Anti-inflammatory foods. …
- Chest percussion.
What are the symptoms of chemical inhalation?
You have been exposed to chemical fumes. This may cause symptoms of
cough, shortness of breath, eye, nose, and throat irritation, and upper chest pain
. It may also cause nausea, headache, and dizziness.
Can the smell of bleach make you sick?
Bleach and other disinfectant fumes
are harmful to your lungs
, precisely because they're good at disinfecting. Their job is to kill microbes, but the way they do so will generally also kill (or at least irritate) bits of your respiratory tract. But breathing in bleach fumes once a week won't kill you.
Why do I randomly smell bleach?
You may have a tooth or gum problem
. It is possible that your nose is picking up residual odors from washed materials. Others may not smell it if it's in your clothing.
What bacteria can survive bleach?
Bleach is a strong and effective disinfectant – its active ingredient sodium hypochlorite is effective in killing
bacteria
, fungi and viruses, including influenza virus – but it is easily inactivated by organic material.
Is it safe to sleep in a room with bleach?
As bleach is used in a home or other contained indoor environment it will create a strong, irritating odor in the air that is releasing
chlorine gas
, a gas that can be potentially harmful to human health, into the air.
Can cleaning chemicals make you sick?
VOCs and other chemicals released when using cleaning supplies contribute to chronic respiratory problems, allergic reactions and headaches. Studies are underway to assess how these chemicals affect people who have asthma and other respiratory illnesses.
