Public Health Advisory : Mixing bleach and common cleaning products can cause serious injury or even death
Posted 10 days ago in School Health
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Our thanks to Dr. Denise M. Makri-Werzen, PUBH:CH HP RN/MT(ASCP) CSN/HT Ph.D. MS BS, ECSNA President & Public Relations Events Coordinator for sharing this important HAZARD ALERT - Please read for information regarding newer products on the market!
Public Health Advisory
NJLINCS Health Alert Network
Distributed by the New Jersey Department of Health
Subject: Public Health Advisory : Mixing bleach and common cleaning products can cause serious injury or even death |
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Date: 08/08/2025 09:58:00 |
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Official Message No.: 112445-8-8-2025-PHAD |
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Contact Info: Marija Borjan | marija.borjan@doh.nj.gov |
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Daniel Lefkowitz | daniel.lefkowitz@doh.nj.gov |
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Attachments: Yes |
Through our surveillance efforts, the NJDOH Occupational Health Surveillance (OHS) Unit identified a work-related fatality due to toxic gases produced from improperly mixing cleaning products. The OHS Unit receives work-related poisoning cases in near real-time from NJPIES who assisted in identifying the fatality. In this case, a worker was exposed to chlorine gas as a result of a hypochlorite being mixed with an acid. The worker was overcome by the chlorine gas and later passed away. Through surveillance of chemical exposures in the state syndromic surveillance system, EpiCenter, staff also identified several cases from the same worksite who presented to the emergency department after being exposed to the chlorine gas.
Training and ensuring safe work practices are important for workers who are using cleaning products. Please see our hazard alert (also attached) and disseminate to employees who use cleaning products in the workplace. If a chemical exposure occurs and you need immediate assistance, contact the NJ Poison Control Help Line: 1-800-222-1222.
