Inhaled Bleach Fumes During Cleaning: What Should I Know?
I am a 15-year-old person assigned female at birth and currently on medications for ADHD, as well as antipsychotics and antidepressants. I also frequently use nicotine products. While attempting to remove acrylic paint from my carpet, I unintentionally used an excessive amount of bleach. While scrubbing, I noticed that my face was positioned close, about a foot away from the surface I was cleaning. Suddenly, I saw orange spots in my vision, and it became difficult for me to focus my eyes. Ten minutes post-cleaning, I began to feel slightly dizzy. I’ve been searching online for information regarding safety concerns associated with inhaling fumes from mixing bleach and acrylic paint, but the answers are not clear. The bleach I used was the Clorox No Splash formula intended for cleaning and eliminating stains.
Answers (1)
6/27/2025, 6:10:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
Inhaling bleach fumes can lead to respiratory irritation and other concerning symptoms, especially if you were close to the source. Your experience of seeing spots in your vision and feeling dizzy may suggest an acute reaction to the fumes. It's vital to take this seriously, especially given your medications and respiratory sensitivity.
Explanation: Bleach is a strong irritant and can cause symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, and even visual disturbances when inhaled in significant quantities or concentrations. Mixing bleach with certain chemicals, especially paint, can produce harmful fumes, which may exacerbate your symptoms. The orange spots you saw could be a visual disturbance due to a lack of oxygen or irritation.
Next Steps:
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Get Fresh Air: Immediately remove yourself from the area where you used the bleach. Go to an open space with fresh air to help clear your lungs.
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Hydrate: Drink water to help soothe any irritation in your throat or mouth.
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Rest: Sit or lie down in a comfortable position until you feel more stable. Monitor how you feel, especially with any dizziness or increased discomfort.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of how your symptoms progress. If you experience worsening symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent dizziness, chest pain, or prolonged visual disturbances, seek medical attention promptly.
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Avoid Further Exposure: Do not attempt to clean with bleach again until you can ensure proper ventilation and safety measures. Using gloves, masks, and well-ventilated areas is crucial for any future cleaning tasks.
If you have any ongoing concerns or feel that your symptoms are not improving, it would be important to reach out for medical guidance as soon as possible. Your health and safety are the primary focus. Please take care of yourself!
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