A woman was taken to hospital after it is believed she mixed bleach with toilet cleaner – and breathed in the fumes.
Emergency services responded to the incident at a house in Lomond Grove in Camberwell last Thursday afternoon (August 3).
The London Fire Brigade sent two engines a fire and rescue unit, a command unit and a Hazardous Materials & Environmental Protection Officer to the scene after receiving a call at 11:50am.
The woman was taken to hospital by an ambulance crew suffering from breathing difficulties as firefighters in protective breathing apparatus ventilated the property and made the scene safe.
It has prompted the Brigade to issue a safety reminder about mixing household cleaning products, saying this is one of at least ten similar incidents that have occurred in London this year.
“This reaction can often release a harmful, irritable or even toxic gas which can have an incredibly strong smell and have a harmful effect on anyone breathing in these gases, especially the young and the elderly.
“Inhaling this gas can cause breathing difficulties as well as choking and irritation of the airway.
“The gas can also cause eyes to water and, in stronger concentrations, can cause loss of consciousness.
“If you accidentally cause this chemical reaction, it is vital you leave the premises immediately and call 999.”
In other safety advice the Brigade says:
- Always follow the instructions for cleaning products and chemicals carefully and don’t be tempted to mix them as it could produce hazardous fumes.
- It is important that you always make sure to rinse away one cleaning chemical before using a different one.
- Make sure you always keep cleaning products securely sealed and out of the reach of children.
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