Reduce your risk from toxic gases: Never mix bleach with other cleaning products

Health Canada is warning Canadians about the risks of mixing household bleach with other household cleaners, which can create toxic gases, like chloramine, and lead to poisonings, if inhaled. Canadian Poison Centres received more than double the number of reports for chloramine exposures for October and November 2020 than they received for the same months in 2019.

When using household cleaners, Canadians should carefully read and follow the directions on product labels. Bleach will react with any cleaning product containing ammonia or an acid, including vinegar.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an increased demand for, and use of, household cleaning products. Health Canada is concerned about the increased Poison Centre reports of toxic gas exposures from the mixing of household cleaners. These gases result from mixing bleach with products such as glass cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, or other products containing ammonia or acidsâeven vinegar. Effects from exposure to these gases include burning eyes and light-headedness, but can also be deadly. When used by itself, household bleach can irritate or burn your skin, eyes or lungs if not handled safely.

Health Canada is aware that there are posts circulating on social media encouraging the mixture of bleach with other cleaners. Claims that combining bleach with another cleaning product will make it more effective in preventing COVID-19 are false and misleading. Health Canada reminds Canadians that it is never safe to mix bleach with other cleaning products.