Mixing ammonia and bleach is not safe and can be life-threatening. When combined, these two common household cleaners release toxic chloramine gas. Exposure to chloramine gas can cause irritation to your eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. In high concentrations, it can lead to coma and death. If you breathe in the fumes of a bleach and ammonia mixture, you may experience burning, watery eyes, coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing, nausea, pain in your throat, chest, and lungs, and fluid buildup in your lungs. In high concentrations, coma and death are possibilities.

To prevent accidental poisoning with bleach and ammonia, follow these basic guidelines:

• Store them in their original containers and in a safe place out of reach of children and pets.
• Never mix bleach with ammonia, acids, or other cleaners.
• Always read the product label before using a cleaning product.
• Use them in a well-ventilated area.
• Wear gloves and eye protection when using these products.
• If you accidentally mix bleach and ammonia, move to a safe, well-ventilated area immediately and carefully follow cleanup instructions from your local poison control center.