The dangers of mixing cleaning supplies can never be stressed enough. Whether it is an individual trying to clean better or a company trying to save money by mixing chemicals into a new container, the results can be critical, even deadly. Cleaning products can do a great job of cleaning the home and workplace but it is imperative to follow guidelines regarding proper use of cleaning products and other chemicals.

The hazards

In a guideline meant for workers who use chemicals during the course of their work, OSHA issued a guide that states working with chemicals can cause symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, reddened eyes, burns to the skin or eyes, dizziness and other symptoms. OSHA says "Dangerous gasses can be released and can cause severe lung damage" when products such as ammonia and bleach are mixed together. Similar warning is issued by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Division of Epidemiology, Environmental and Occupational Health, who explains the hazards of mixing common cleaning products. The site also urges users of household or institutional cleaning products to carefully read all product labels prior to using the products. Mixing some cleaners improperly has even resulted in death.

Actual cases from cleaning products and chemicals being used improperly

The New England Journal of Medicine reported on the case of a woman in her 50s who lived only after emergency medical procedures were performed to save her after she used bleach and ammonia-based cleaners when cleaning a walk-in cooler at her place of employment. Seacoast Online reported that a New Hampshire hotel employee was rushed to the hospital after pouring "cleaning solvent" from one container into a smaller container "which contained residue of another incompatible chemical." Other people have not been so lucky. In Toronto, an 81 year-old man died after using a combination of several drain openers in attempt to clear a drain. The fumes were so noxious that two EMS workers and four firefighters had to be treated at the hospital, according to CBC News Toronto. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on the case of a chemist who died after mixing sodium peroxide and hydrogen peroxide "using a non-standard transfer procedure." It is important to realize that anyone who mixes chemicals together is at risk of injury or death and also potentially putting the safety and health of others at risk.

Avoid the risks

Important guidelines must be followed by everyone who is charged with making, using and transferring cleaning products and other chemicals to safeguard against injury and death. The guidelines include:

• Always read product labels completely, even if you have used the product previously. There could be new ingredients or instructions for use.
• Never mix any cleaning products.
• Store all cleaning products in a safe, secure manner and only in a location designated for storing such products.
• Never store any cleaning products or other chemicals where children can reach them.
• Always ensure proper ventilation when using any cleaning products.
• Never use any chemicals or cleaning products in the workplace if you have not been properly trained in their use and storage.
• Never pour one cleaning product into a container that has previously contained another product even if it appears empty. Just a small amount of residue can be deadly.