Bleach

Home treatment:

for powdered bleaches:
The standard procedure is to dilute with milk or water unless the patient is unconscious or experiencing convulsions. Contact Poison Control for further information.

for liquid bleaches:

• DO NOT INDUCE EMESIS (VOMITING).
• If bleach is on the skin, wash with lots of water.
• If bleach is swallowed, give milk, ice cream, or an antacid.
• DO NOT NEUTRALIZE with weak acids such as vinegar or lemon juice.

Before calling emergency:

Determine the following information:

• the patient's age, weight, and condition
• the name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
• the time it was swallowed
• the amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number:

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room:

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed.
for powdered bleaches

• Use gastric lavage.
• Treat the symptoms.

for liquid bleaches

• Give milk and/or antacids.
• Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis):

For powdered bleaches:
The ultimate outcome will depend on what ingredients make up the powdered bleach and their respective concentrations, how much was consumed, and how soon proper care was administered.

For liquid bleaches:
There is a good chance of recovery if proper treatment is given soon after the poison was swallowed.