ABSTRACT
Inhalation of hypochlorous acid fumes causes severe pulmonary irritation with coughing and choking followed by pulmonary edema. Ingestion causes irritation and corrosion of mucous membranes with pain and vomiting. Soaps and detergents can be grouped into three general classes that differ in toxic effects: anionic detergents, non-ionic detergents, and cationic detergents. The anionic household detergents are sulfonated hydrocarbons or phosphorylated hydrocarbons. Soaps and detergents can be grouped into three general classes that differ in toxic effects: anionic detergents, non-ionic detergents, and cationic detergents. The anionic household detergents are sulfonated hydrocarbons or phosphorylated hydrocarbons. The anionic detergents irritate the skin by removing natural oils, causing redness, soreness, and papular dermatitis. In sensitive persons they also cause thickening of the skin with weeping, cracking, scaling, and blistering. Skin eruptions are treated by removal from further exposure. For ingestion of detergents or soap, give fluids and allow vomiting to occur. Flush skin or eyes with water.
