Effects of Bathroom Cleaner on Humans

[LightbulbSun]

Hey, I was just wondering if anyone knew of the specific effects a typical bathroom cleaning product would have on a human even with just a little exposure to the skin? Is it still hazardous to the blood stream and mucus membranes?

 

[Hootenanny]

Well bleach is a typical bathroom cleaning product...

 

[LightbulbSun]

Well bleach is a typical bathroom cleaning product...

I was thinking more specifically of the foam spray ones. Is it still hazardous to a human if a small amount makes contact with the skin or does there need to be a larger amount of it making contact before a person would experience the hazardous effects?

 

[imabug]

Most cleaners of that sort tend to be somewhat caustic and can produce skin burns if left on the skin for too long. Usually if it's washed off right away there's no effect.

 

[wxrocks]

Bathroom cleaners are usually some kind of acid -- Comet spray for example is made with Citric Acid -- many toilet cleaners have HCl in them. These acids can burn you if left on your skin long enough. Concentration is the other consideration.

Usually the best thing to do is look for an MSDS on the active ingredients to find specific effects.

 

[Monique]

I don't think they can do much harm, their concentration is adjusted for household use and suppliers keep the active ingredients down to cut the price of the product.

Read what it says on the label, be careful to not get any product in your eyes, wear gloves if your skin is sensitive or when you are going to have prolonged contact with the product.

There are some products you need to be careful with, for instance sink cleaners. Better be safe then sorry.

 

[LightbulbSun]

The one I used talked about entering into the bloodstream and affecting mucus membranes. Do any bathroom cleaners have this kind of effect on humans?

 

[Moonbear]

Usually, the cleaners sold for household use are only mildly irritating to mucous membranes when the fumes are inhaled. That's why they typically say to use them in well-ventillated areas. If it was going to affect your mucous membranes, you'd already know it, because your nose would feel like it was burning or your eyes watering. Don't sniff it intentionally is basically what that means.

To get into your bloodstream, you'd need some really prolonged exposure. A little bit on your skin that is quickly washed off won't be a problem. As Monique already mentioned, cleaners for household use are more dilute than for commercial/industrial use because they know the users are not going to be as careful about safety measures.