Introduction
A chemical inhalation injury happens when a person breathes in (inhales) fumes or particles from chemicals that damage the throat, airways, or lungs (respiratory tract). Chemical inhalation injuries most often occur:
During fires, when materials that are burned release chemicals into the environment.
During work accidents, when large amounts of toxic chemicals are spilled at factories or industrial sites.
Chemicals that may be harmful are also found in many common household cleaners and other products, such as:
Aerosol sprays.
Oven cleaners.
Air fresheners.
Furniture polish.
Mixing ammonia with other bleach-containing cleaning products is another common cause of household chemical inhalation injuries. This produces a harmful gas
…show more content…
Do not put potentially harmful chemicals in spray bottles.
Read all labels and follow instructions for using cleaning products.
Always use cleaning products in a well-ventilated area.
If your job puts you at risk for chemical inhalation, follow work safety practices closely. Be very careful to limit your exposure to gases and chemicals.
Contact a health care provider if:
You have a fever.
Your symptoms do not improve or they get worse.
Get help right away if:
You have trouble breathing.
You are coughing up blood.
Summary
A chemical inhalation injury happens when a person breathes in (inhales) fumes or particles from chemicals that damage the throat, airways, or lungs (respiratory tract).
Chemical inhalation injuries occur most often during fires or work accidents. Chemicals that may be harmful are also found in many common household cleaners and other products.
Oxygen therapy is the main treatment for this injury. You may be given supplementary oxygen through a mask or a nose tube.
If your job puts you at risk for chemical inhalation, follow work safety practices closely. Be very careful to limit your exposure to gases and