The Dangers of Mixing Bleach and Ammonia

In case you didn't learn while growing up, mixing bleach and ammonia can kill you. When combined, these two common cleaning agents produce a chemical reaction that releases toxic fumes capable of anything from a sore throat to unconsciousness and death.

This article details the gasses that are created when bleach and ammonia are mixed, the symptoms of exposure to the toxic gas, and how it is treated. It also explains what to look out for in cleaning products and what to do if you've been exposed.

Toxic Reaction

Mixing chlorine bleach with ammonia creates a chemical reaction that can be deadly. Sodium hypochlorite is the active ingredient in chlorine bleach. When it mixes with ammonia, chloramine gas is released into the air. 

Inhaling chloramine gas can be toxic and lead to death by chemical pneumonitis. Chemical pneumonitis occurs when a person inhales material that is toxic to the lungs.

Reports of chloramine gas exposure due to mixing cleaning products that contained bleach and ammonia increased in 2020 during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Symptoms

Exposure to chloramine gas fumes—caused by mixing bleach with ammonia—can irritate the throat, nose, and eyes. Symptoms can come on after just a few moments and last about 24 hours in mild cases.

Symptoms of exposure to toxic gasses like chloramine include:

• Chest pain
• Coughing
• Nausea
• Pneumonia and fluid in the lungs
• Shortness of breath
• Watery eyes
• Wheezing

Exposure to high concentrations of chloramine fumes can cause loss of consciousness, coma, and possibly even death.

Treatment

If you have accidentally mixed ammonia and bleach, it is important to take action. If you smell strong odors, you should leave the area immediately and get fresh air. It only takes a few moments for toxic fumes to overwhelm you.

Get help immediately. If someone is passed out or displaying symptoms of exposure, call 911. The 911 operator will likely connect you with poison control. If a person is unconscious, try to move them outside or to a well-ventilated area away from the fumes. If you are unable to move the person, ventilate the room as much as possible.

Toxic exposure to gas formed by mixing bleach and ammonia is treated with oxygen therapy and steroid breathing treatments. In extreme cases, chemical pneumonitis can occur. This may require temporary assistance from a breathing machine and suction of the trachea. 

How to Avoid This Dangerous Chemical Reaction

You can avoid a dangerous chemical reaction by not mixing cleaning supplies that contain ammonia with cleaning supplies that contain bleach. Before mixing cleaning supplies always check the label.

Chlorine bleach can be listed as bleach, chlorine bleach, or sodium hypochlorite. Ammonia may be listed as ammonia or ammonium hydroxide.

Urine also contains ammonia and should not be mixed with bleach. Do not use bleach to clean litter boxes and always flush toilet bowl cleaner before using it.

Other Products You Shouldn't Mix With Bleach

In addition to not mixing bleach with ammonia, you should avoid mixing bleach with acids. Acid-based cleaning ingredients include:

• Acetic acid
• Citric acid
• Dilute hydrochloric acid
• Dilute sulfuric acid
• Glycolic acid
• Levulinic acid 
• Oxalic acid
• Sodium bisulfate
• Vinegar

When bleach is mixed with an acid it can form chlorine gas. Similar to chloramine gas, chlorine gas is even more toxic and can be deadly. In addition, pool water contains chlorine and should not be mixed with cleaning supplies.

Bleach should also not be mixed with hydrogen peroxide. When combined, bleach and hydrogen peroxide emit a highly flammable gas.

A Word From Verywell

Mixing cleaning supplies can lead to a dangerous chemical reaction that can be deadly. Even natural cleaners, such as vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, can react with bleach and cause toxic fumes. You can avoid a toxic reaction by not combining cleaning agents or reading the labels carefully before mixing.

If you mix cleaning supplies or are using a strong-smelling cleaner, always work in a ventilated area to avoid being overcome by fumes. If you accidentally mix bleach with ammonia or acids or notice a strong odor, vacate the area and call Poison Control or 911.