Bleach + Ammonia
Chloramine gases
Never mix bleach with ammonia. The combination gives off toxic chloramine gases. [1] [2]
If you already mixed
Leave the area right away and get to fresh air. For household cleaners, open windows and doors to let in fresh air, and stay away until the gas has gone away. [3] [4]
Call 911 for any trouble breathing or swallowing. [3]
Eyes: rinse with lots of room-temperature running water for at least 15 to 20 minutes. [5]
Remove contaminated clothing; wash skin with soap and water. [6] [7] [3]
For mild symptoms or questions, call Poison Help 1-800-222-1222. [3]
A fading smell is not an all-clear: the smell may not be noticeable to people exposed many times, and chlorine gas is heavier than air, so it may linger near the ground. [7]
Chloramine exposure can cause coughing, nausea, shortness of breath, watery eyes, chest pain, wheezing, and irritation of the eyes, nose and throat; serious cases can lead to lung injury, including fluid in the lungs. [1] [8]
Ammonia is found in some glass and window cleaners and in urine, so take care when cleaning litter boxes, diaper pails or toilets with bleach. [1]
If you are in an area with fumes, leave right away and stay in fresh air. Call 911 for any difficulty breathing or swallowing; for mild symptoms only, contact a poison center. [3]
Chemicals
Sources
- Washington State Department of Health — Dangers of Mixing Bleach with Cleaners retrieved 2026-10-27
- National Capital Poison Center (Poison Control) — What's that smell? Identifying unknown fumes in your home retrieved 2026-10-27
- Washington Poison Center — Chloramine Gas retrieved 2026-10-27
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Chlorine fact sheet retrieved 2026-10-27
- National Capital Poison Center (Poison Control) — Help for poisons splashed in the eye retrieved 2026-10-27
- NJ Department of Health — Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet: Sodium Hypochlorite retrieved 2026-10-27
- National Capital Poison Center (Poison Control) — Chlorine gas retrieved 2026-10-27
- New Jersey Department of Health — Hazard Alert: Mixing Bleach with Other Cleaning Products Can Be Deadly retrieved 2026-10-27