My husband and I had a flood damage a bit ago. To prevent mold and to clean the basement he power washed it with water and bleach. The smell is quite strong and has us both dizzy, nauseated and our hearts pounding. I know it's a given to open up the windows and go out and get fresh air. My question is:

Is short-term exposure to bleach damaging? I tried googling it and got a few tidbits of information.

MRS&MR.S

I used bleach to clean one time. My eyes were burning so bad I was crying and my nose started to run, a bit of blood and coughing.

Apparently though from what my wife was told through the grape vines of a pharmacist is that short term exposure to bleach is not damaging.

Of course never use it when the kids are around.

Joe

Chlorine is a poison. If your symptoms persist, please see your doctor. Your health can be at risk big time.

Oh twinks thanks for answering but this is my very first thread [march 8th]-- no symptoms anymore ;)

Thanks though ;)

Sarah

I guess no one wants to take the word from a pharmacist, eh?

If you're in a confined area with the bleach fumes and it is not diluted enough with water the fumes can cause serious irritation of the throat and lungs and sinuses. It can also cause dizziness and heart palpitations.

If you get a bleach mixture on your skin it is a strong base... opposite of an acid, but it can cause a chemical burn of the skin. The slippery feeling you get on skin exposed to bleach? That is the bleach essentially dissolving the fat in your skin.

Just because any chemical is available at the supermarket or the drug store doesn't mean it is benign. Pesicides, insect repellents, cleaning solvents, etc. all can pose serious risks so pay attention, don't over mix and read the labels.

DO NOT EVER mix bleach and ammonia!! You will create ammonia chloride gas which can kill you and it is highly highly irritating and toxic at the least!