If bleach and toilet cleaner were mixed and fumes are present, leave the affected area immediately and get to fresh air outside. Get other people and pets away if you can do so safely. If someone is struggling to breathe, has chest pain, collapses or is trapped in the affected area, call 995 from safety. Singapore MOH poisoning guidance CDC chlorine exposure guidance SCDF emergency medical services
Stay out of the affected area. Opening doors or windows can help ventilate the space if you can do it safely on your way out. Avoid re-entering to open a window, collect a bottle or clean up. Certain products mixed with bleach can release chlorine or other harmful fumes. Singapore MOH poisoning guidance CDC chlorine exposure guidance
- Leave the affected area and breathe fresh air.
- Call 995 for serious symptoms or anyone who needs rescue.
- Tell responders what products were mixed, if known, and where the exposure occurred.
On this page
Get clear before doing anything else
Stop cleaning and move out of the area. Warn anyone nearby without going back into the fumes. If someone cannot leave independently, tell 995 where they are and whether they were able to respond. Keep other people from going in to investigate. CDC chlorine exposure guidance SCDF emergency medical services
Once outside, tell building staff about the affected unit or room if fumes could reach others. Follow responders’ directions before anyone returns.
Take breathing symptoms seriously
Exposure can cause coughing, burning eyes and throat irritation. Seek medical advice promptly after suspected poisoning, especially if coughing or irritation continues. Call 995 for breathing difficulty, chest pain or collapse. Mention if the person has asthma or another respiratory condition. Symptoms can develop or worsen after leaving. Singapore MOH poisoning guidance CDC chlorine exposure guidance SCDF emergency medical services
If cleaner also splashed into an eye or onto skin, start rinsing with running water once safe and report the splash as a separate exposure. Singapore MOH poisoning guidance
Frequently asked questions
Can I pour another product in to fix the mixture?
Leave the mixture alone and follow responders’ instructions. Adding more cleaner can make the situation worse. Singapore MOH poisoning guidance CDC chlorine exposure guidance
What if I do not know what was mixed?
Say that the products are unknown. Describe the room, when the fumes began and who was exposed. Share a label photo only if you already have one or can obtain it safely. Singapore MOH poisoning guidance