accidentally applied cleaning agents on top of each other
February 7, 2015 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Dr. David Meyer
Hello,
I am very concerned, I have just accidentally mixed a splash of Bad Total Lemon by Biff (https://www.idealclean.de/media/datenblaetter/pdf_dinblaetter/2080227.pdf) with a splash of this cleaning product on the shower door (on a cloth and the glass).
water
under 5 percent non-ionic surfactants, decylglucoside, laureth-7, sodium gluconate, perfume limonene, sodium carbonate, citric acid, potassium hydroxide, colorant
The window was open and I immediately rinsed it with water. Could this have caused a toxic reaction? If so, what symptoms should I watch out for and for how long?
I had a slight tingling in my right nostril and in the back of my head, but it is now gone. It has been about 45 minutes.
Best regards
Dear questioner,
the acidic cleaning agent for the toilet (pH 2.9) may have been dispersed as an aerosol in the air. This is completely normal and happens during cleaning all over the world. A brief irritation of the nose or eyes may occur, but will pass immediately. As long as you did not get this cleaning agent directly into your eyes, mouth, or nose, you have nothing to worry about.
With the products and chemical compounds you mentioned, it is theoretically possible that some substances, such as enzymes, may change or denature, for example due to the acidity. However, this does not result in any "new" or dangerous substances.
Since you did not have direct physical contact with the cleaning agents, you have even less reason to worry.
Symptoms of irritation of the respiratory tract and mucous membranes include, among others, tearing, a "sharp" smell/taste, pain, and a burning sensation. These symptoms would also be temporary.
In the case you described, the risk of harm is almost non-existent.
Wishing you a great weekend,
Dr. Meyer
