1) Baking Soda & Vinegar = Carbon Dioxide

Surly you must remember the science experiment we all did in school? You know, the one where you made a volcano erupt? Enter the combination of Baking Soda and Vinegar. The combination of these two ingredients might be great for a children’s school experiment but could end in explosive results. Together they create what we know as carbon dioxide; which can be highly explosive if trapped in a container. Over exposure to carbon dioxide can also result in an array of symptoms including headaches, difficulty breathing, dizziness, restlessness and more.

2) Bleach & Ammonia = Chloramine Vapor

Did you know that two of the most common household cleaners can also be the most deadly when mixed? That’s right! When Bleach and Ammonia are mixed the result is toxic Chloramine Vapor which can actually lead to the production of poisonous hydrazine. The problem with this is that Ammonia is found in so many different household and industrial cleaning products including: glass cleaner, window cleaner, multi-surface cleaners, drain and oven cleaners, event toilet bowl cleaners. Due to this fact, it is suggested to store these agents apart to avoid any unnecessary damage. Immediate exposure to Chloramine Vapor will cause eye, nose and throat irritation, respiratory distress, and can even lead to organ damage.  Yet if there is enough Ammonia used and the creation of Hydrazine occurs it is not only toxic but explosive. 

3) Vinegar & Hydrogen Peroxide = Peracetic Acid

One popular DIY cleaning hack is the mixture of Vinegar and Peroxide but playing household chemist is the worst choice you can make. This combination actually creates a chemical known as peracetic acid, a dangerous and corrosive material. In low concentrations eye, throat and skin irritation along with difficulty breathing may occur but long exposure can cause permanent damage to the eyes, throat and skin.

4) Bleach & Rubbing Alcohol = Chloroform

I am sure you have all seen the movies enough to know about chloroform. Well, what you may not know, is that the combination of Bleach and Rubbing Alcohol creates just that. Other nasty compounds that may be produced include chloroacetone, dichloroacetone, and hydrochloric acid.

Any of these combinations can be damaging to the eyes, skin, liver, kidneys, nervous system and yes, they can kill you. Unfortunately, this lethal combination can be occur by mixing bleach with any product that contains alcohol.

5) Bleach & Vinegar = Chlorine Gas

This friendly household disinfectant is not to be mixed with other agents or the consequences could be deadly. Take for instance the mixture of Bleach and everyday vinegar. Harmless right? Wrong! This combination creates a very toxic chlorine gas used for chemical warfare. It is known to attack the skin, mucus membranes, and respiratory system. It will irritate the eyes, throat and nose, create breathing problems, coughing, burning and watery eyes and these are just the minor complications. Absorption through the skin can cause inflammation, swelling and blistering especially for those that are more sensitive to chemicals. This gas is heavier than air and stays close to the ground affecting pets and small children.

We at Media Monkey want to keep you, your business, and your employees safe. That’s why Hazcom was created. It allowed us to put emergency information and Osha’s required SDS sheets right in the palm of your hand making information easily accessible with or without internet. For more information about Hazcom for your business click here.