The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) says there has been a 60 per cent spike in calls related to exposures to household cleaners and disinfectants, in the wake of COVID-19 physical distancing measures.
That spike – calls related to cleaning or disinfectant exposures among adults over the age of 20 – has increased since mid-March, according to a BCCDC statement issued Thursday.
“Fortunately, we haven’t seen any serious injuries, but ingesting or improperly mixing cleaning chemicals can be fatal,” said Dr. Tom Kosatsky, BCCDC’s medical director of environmental health services.
In a typical week, the Drug and Poison Information Centre (DPIC) at BCCDC receives about 9 calls related to adults’ exposure to bleach.
But between March 8 and April 11, the DPIC saw an average of 24 calls per week – with women more likely to call about exposure to cleaning products or disinfectants than men in recent weeks.
The calls came to a peak around March 22, when there were more than 65 calls related to household cleaning exposure.
The BCCDC says there has been a 60 per cent spike in calls related to household cleaner exposure since mid-March. - BC Centre for Disease Control
“We’re glad to see the people of B.C. taking measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but please keep in mind that cleaners and disinfectants are powerful substances and need to be used safely,” said Kosatsky.
When it comes to cleaning safely, BCCDC says to follow all label instructions, never mix chemicals and to never use bleach or other disinfectants on food.
If you have accidentally been exposed to a disinfectant or household cleaner, the centre says to perform the following first aid measures – depending on the type of exposure – and call your local poison control centre at 1-800-567-8911.
- Inhalation: ventilate the area and seek fresh air
- Eye exposure: flush eyes with water for five to 10 minutes
- Skin exposure: flush skin with water for five minutes
- Ingestion: drink ½ cup to one cup of water
