North Carolina Poison Control urges residents to practice safety while disinfecting their homes during COVID-19. | Stock Photo
North Carolina Poison Control urges residents to practice safety while disinfecting their homes during COVID-19. | Stock Photo
North Carolina Poison Control has received more phone calls than normal during the COVID-19 pandemic, with almost 700 phone calls in March regarding household cleaners, according to a local news report in late April. That is a 50% increase year-over-year.
The spike in calls is a result of both adults and children being exposed to a variety of cleaning products while trying to keep their homes properly disinfected, the News & Observer reported on April 27.
Calls about bleach are particularly concerning because mixing bleach with vinegar, ammonia or rubbing alcohol can create toxic gases. According to the News & Observer, during a coronavirus conference, a demonstration was given on how to mix water and bleach to create a homemade cleaning product that effectively kills the coronavirus.
“We understand people are paying special attention to keeping their homes clean and are very mindful of their health right now,” Dr. Anna Dulaney, a clinical toxicologist at North Carolina Poison Control, said the News & Observer reported. “But we want people to know that cleaning products can be toxic if they’re used in the wrong way.”
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