Hair Bleach Poisoning

This is poisoning from swallowing hair bleach.
Poisonous Ingredient

• Hydrogen peroxide
• Ethyl alcohol
• Ammonium persulfate

Where Found

• Some hair bleaches
• Hydrogen peroxide

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
Symptoms

• Unable to walk in a normal manner
• Slurred speech
• No urine output
• Collapse
• Breathing difficulty
• Burning pain in the throat
• Blurred vision
• Burns to the eye
• Rash
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea (watery, bloody)
• Low blood pressure
• Stupor
• Coma

Home Treatment

Seek immediate medical help.

If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

If the chemical was swallowed, immediately give the person water or milk, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider. DO NOT give water or milk if the patient is having symptoms (such as vomiting, convulsions, or unconsciousness) that prevent swallowing.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• The patient's age, weight, and condition
• The name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• The time it was swallowed
• The amount swallowed