Toxic Effects of Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach) Exposure

A solution of sodium hypochlorite (bleach) has many uses. Unfortunately it may be associated with a number of toxic reactions.

Variables affected toxicity:

(1) route of exposure

(2) volume

(3) concentration

(4) any deterioration in activity

(5) rapidity of response to the exposure

Potential routes of exposure:

(1) ingestion

(2) intravenous injection

(3) eye

(4) transmucosal

(5) transcutaneous, if there is a breakdown in the skin barrier

(6) inhalation

The most common effect is irritation.

Route	Special Toxicity
ingestion	esophagitis with stricture or perforation
ingestion or intravenous injection	hypernatremia, hyperchloremia, metabolic acidosis
intravenous injection	hemolysis with acute renal failure
inhalation	toxic chlorine gases (if mixed with acid or alkali)
eye	chemical keratitis

where:

• Commercial bleach is 13.3% sodium.

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