Chlorine Bleach Allergies

Chlorine bleach is a harsh chemical used to clean and disinfect a wide variety of items. While chlorine bleach is highly toxic, it is considered safe when used as directed. Having an allergy to chlorine bleach, however, makes the chemical even more dangerous for some individuals.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of a chlorine bleach allergy are similar to those of an asthma attack, with labored breathing, inability to catch your breath and a feeling of closed or tightened esophagus. Minor symptoms are red, watery eyes and a stuffy nose.

Triggers

• Chlorine bleach allergies most often occur when an individual is exposed to clothing or linens that have been washed using chlorine bleach. But any item exposed to chlorine bleach can trigger an allergy.

Considerations

• The chlorine bleach allergy is not specific to chlorine bleach, but rather it is an allergy to chlorine itself. This means chlorine fumes and even chlorinated pools are unsafe for chlorine allergy sufferers.

Treatment

• Emergency treatment is required when someone has a chlorine allergic reaction. Treatment varies depending on how severe the allergy is, how much exposure to chlorine occurred and what type of exposure it was (such as inhaled fumes or direct contact). Treatment may include inhaled cortosteroids (for respiratory symptoms), topical cortosteroids (for skin irritation) or antihistamines.

Prevention

• Prevention of a chlorine bleach allergy requires avoiding chlorinated products, including swimming pools, cleaning supplies, paper products and even personal hygiene items. Your local natural foods store should carry a supply of chlorine-free products, and even some mainstream grocery stores offer chlorine-free product alternatives.