Warning: What Happens When You Drink Toilet Bowl Cleaner?
What To Know
- The best way to prevent toilet bowl cleaner ingestion is to keep it out of reach of children and pets.
- Store toilet bowl cleaner in a locked cabinet or on a high shelf.
- Store toilet bowl cleaner in a locked cabinet or on a high shelf.
Toilet bowl cleaner is a powerful chemical agent designed to remove stains, kill bacteria, and deodorize your toilet bowl. But what happens if you accidentally ingest it? Or, perhaps more curiously, what would it taste like if you did?
The answer is: you do not want to know.
Toilet bowl cleaner contains a variety of harsh chemicals, including hydrochloric acid, sodium hypochlorite (bleach), and surfactants. These chemicals are corrosive and can cause severe burns to your mouth, throat, and esophagus. Ingesting toilet bowl cleaner can also lead to nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can even be fatal.
So, if you’re ever tempted to take a sip of toilet bowl cleaner, please don’t. It’s simply not worth the risk.
What Happens If You Ingest Toilet Bowl Cleaner?
If you accidentally ingest toilet bowl cleaner, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Do not induce vomiting. Rinse your mouth with water and drink plenty of milk or water to dilute the chemicals.
Symptoms of Toilet Bowl Cleaner Ingestion
The symptoms of toilet bowl cleaner ingestion can vary depending on the amount ingested and the concentration of the cleaner. Common symptoms include:
- Burning sensation in the mouth, throat, and esophagus
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- Coma
Treatment for Toilet Bowl Cleaner Ingestion
The treatment for toilet bowl cleaner ingestion will depend on the severity of the symptoms. In mild cases, treatment may include:
- Rinsing the mouth with water
- Drinking milk or water to dilute the chemicals
- Taking antacids to neutralize the acid
In more severe cases, treatment may include:
- Intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration
- Medications to control pain and nausea
- Surgery to repair damage to the esophagus or stomach
How to Prevent Toilet Bowl Cleaner Ingestion
The best way to prevent toilet bowl cleaner ingestion is to keep it out of reach of children and pets. Store toilet bowl cleaner in a locked cabinet or on a high shelf. Never leave toilet bowl cleaner unattended in the bathroom.
What to Do If Your Pet Ingests Toilet Bowl Cleaner
If your pet ingests toilet bowl cleaner, it’s important to seek veterinary attention immediately. Do not induce vomiting. Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and give them plenty of milk or water to drink.
Summary
Toilet bowl cleaner is a dangerous chemical that can cause serious health problems if ingested. It’s important to keep toilet bowl cleaner out of reach of children and pets, and to seek medical attention immediately if ingestion occurs.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: What is the most common ingredient in toilet bowl cleaner?
A: Hydrochloric acid
Q: What are the symptoms of toilet bowl cleaner ingestion?
A: Burning sensation in the mouth, throat, and esophagus; nausea; vomiting; abdominal pain; diarrhea; difficulty breathing; seizures; coma
Q: What should I do if I ingest toilet bowl cleaner?
A: Seek medical attention immediately. Do not induce vomiting. Rinse your mouth with water and drink plenty of milk or water to dilute the chemicals.
Q: What should I do if my pet ingests toilet bowl cleaner?
A: Seek veterinary attention immediately. Do not induce vomiting. Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and give them plenty of milk or water to drink.
Q: How can I prevent toilet bowl cleaner ingestion?
A: Keep toilet bowl cleaner out of reach of children and pets. Store toilet bowl cleaner in a locked cabinet or on a high shelf. Never leave toilet bowl cleaner unattended in the bathroom.
