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Previous Volume 341:848-849 September 9, 1999 Number 11 Next

	Since this article has no abstract, we have provided an extract of the first 100 words of the full text and any section headings.

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To the Editor: The inhalation of the noxious fumes associated with the mixing of household cleaners can lead to pulmonary irritation and pneumonitis. Household ammonia (3 to 10 percent aqueous NH₃) and bleach (5 percent NaOCl) are two of the most common cleaning agents. Combining them releases chloramine gas, which is a combination of monochloramines (NH₂Cl) and dichloramines (NHCl₂). When inhaled, chloramines react with the moisture of the respiratory tract to release ammonia (NH₃), hydrochloric acid (HCl), and oxygen free radicals. Typically, exposures to low concentrations of chloramines produce only mild respiratory tract irritation. In higher . . . [Full Text of this Article]

References

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• Arif, A. A., Hughes, P. C., Delclos, G. L. (2008). Occupational exposures among domestic and industrial professional cleaners. Occup Med (Lond) 58: 458-463 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
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• Bernard, A, Carbonnelle, S, Michel, O, Higuet, S, de Burbure, C, Buchet, J-P, Hermans, C, Dumont, X, Doyle, I (2003). Lung hyperpermeability and asthma prevalence in schoolchildren: unexpected associations with the attendance at indoor chlorinated swimming pools. Occup. Environ. Med. 60: 385-394 [Abstract] [Full Text]