Jornal de Toxicologia Clínica
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Household Bleach Leading to ARDS

Anisha Turner*

One of the most popular cleaning and disinfecting agents used worldwide is household bleach, typically containing sodium hypochlorite. When sodium hypochlorite is combined with either an acid or ammonia, irritant gases such as chlorine and chloramine, respectively, are formed. Chlorine gas can be very toxic and result in a myriad of mucosal and pulmonary symptoms. Although most effects are self-limited, we report a case of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and eventual death, related to a household cleaner exposure. This case report emphasizes the importance of public health awareness and utilization of in-home protection strategies when using bleach-containing products, as well as reviews management options in patients presenting with chlorine gas toxicity.