Toilet bowl cleaner is a solution utilized to clean toilets. Most are synthetic and commercially available with a caustic nature and might even release noxious fumes or gases if mixed with water.
Poisoning can occur if the cleaner is accidentally or intentionally ingested. Aside from swallowing the product, exposure can also occur via skin or eye contact. Some of the poisonous and corrosive components included in the cleaner might include isopropyl alcohol, carbolic acid, sodium bisulfate, dichlorobenzene, ammonium chloride and hydrochloric acid.
What are the signs of poisoning?
The indications of toilet bowl cleaner poisoning ranges from minor to severe. In most cases, different body systems can be affected.
The usual symptoms that might arise from toilet bowl cleaner poisoning include:
- Significant burning and associated discomfort in the throat, mouth and esophagus. This can also affect the nose, eyes and ears.
- Serious skin irritation and burns where perforations might be present in some cases.
- Respiratory issues that can be serious if the cleaner was inhaled
Serious skin irritation and burns where perforations might be present in some cases. - Wheezing
- Stomach pain and cramping
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Blood-streaked stools
- Headache
- Loss of vision
- Abrupt drop in the blood pressure
- Seizures
- Significant alterations in the blood pH level that can affect different parts of the body
- Collapse and coma
Management of toilet bowl cleaner poisoning
Once an individual is suspected with toilet bowl cleaner poisoning, it is vital to call for emergency assistance right away.
- If the individual swallowed the toilet bowl cleaner, check the airway. Make sure that the individual is breathing and has a pulse rate. After ingestion, you should provide milk to drink if instructed by a healthcare professional. On the other hand, do not provide anything orally if the individual is vomiting or has reduced level of alertness.
- In case the skin or eyes were exposed to the cleaner, it should be washed thoroughly with large amounts of water for up to 15 minutes.
Upon arrival at the nearest emergency department, the individual is further assessed if there is a need for additional treatment. It is best to bring along the container of the toilet bowl cleaner.
What is the outlook?
The outcome is based on the type and amount of cleaner ingested, time between ingestion and start of treatment, general health of the individual and seriousness of the symptoms.
An individual can recover with a good outlook from the symptoms with proper medications and prompt supportive care.
If the symptoms are severe which includes serious burns, seizures and coma, it can worsen the outcome. Eye injuries can be severe which can lead to blindness after exposure of the eye to the substance.
The ingestion of the toilet bowl cleaner can lead to lasting damage to the mouth and esophagus. Remember that the chemical can continue to cause damage to the affected areas even if exposure has ceased.
Quick Note / Disclaimer
The material posted on this page on toilet bowl cleaner poisoning is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn how it is managed, register for a first aid and CPR course with Toronto First Aid.