How to: Neutralization of Benzalkonium Chloride

Benzalkonium chloride is an antiseptic agent designed to kill disease-causing bacteria. This substance is mostly non-toxic if applied to the skin and mucous membranes. Benzalkonium chloride is a cationic surfactant -- it has low toxicity, does not accumulate in toxic levels and is not affected by water hardness. However, some people are allergic to this substance, and it is harmful for the eyes. Therefore, some people may should neutralize the substance. While prevention is key whether avoiding allergic reactions, many products contain benzalkonium, making it difficult to avoid.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Anti-Itch Cream

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Instructions

• 1

  Bring benzalkonium into contact with organic compounds. When this substance touches organic compounds, it becomes inactive.

• 2

  Rinse out the area that experiences an allergic reaction if you experience severe itching, hives, a rash or symptoms on other parts of the body, such as difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest or swelling. Benzalkonium chloride can cause brief stinging if applied to one part of the body, but anything more severe than that can indicate an allergic reaction. This chemical can be in a broad range of products, including aftershaves, cosmetics, deodorants, hair conditioners, laundry detergents, mouthwashes and sanitizers. Check the product ingredients to see whether it contains benzalkonium chloride.

• 3

  Take an allergy medicine to alleviate the reaction caused by benzalkonium chloride. For rashes and other skin irritations, apply anti-inflammatory steroid cream, such as hydrocortisone. Squirt a little bit of the anti-inflammatory cream onto your hand and rub it on the affected area.

• 4

  Flush the eyes out with water if the benzalkonium chloride gets into the eyes. Benzalkonium chloride is potentially damaging to the eyes, so those who accidentally get this substance on the eye should go to the nearest sink or shower and turn the water on. Make sure the water is not too hot, since hot water can damage your eyes. When you cannot get your eyes under the stream of water, cup your hands under the water, wait for it to fill up, and then throw the water into the eyes with your eyes open. The water should neutralize the benzalkonium chloride and wash out the residue. If your eyes continue to experience irritation, or if you have difficulty seeing or experience severe pain, contact a doctor. If wearing contact lenses, and they did not flush out while rinsing the eyes, remove the contacts, as they may still have benzalkonium residue on them.