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Hey Doctor, I Just Have 1 Quick Question For You.

Posted on Sun, 21 Jul 2019

Question: Hey Doctor,

I just have 1 quick question for you. We have an in ground pool at my residence and about 15-20 minutes ago I began adding the chemicals as I do every Saturday. I have a gas pool Heater so i have to watch the “alkalinity” of the water. After conducting my water test I needed to as some “Alkalinity Up” chemical. The name of the chemical which i used is sodium bicarbonate (also called sodium hydrogen carbonate). As I was dumping the chemical in the pool a gust of wind came and a bit excess powder cloud started moving away from pool and went into my back door as my father in law opened the door. Inside the house sitting next to the door was my 4 month old son, my 18 month old son, my wife, and my mother in law. Is there a risk of them possibly breathing in the chemical which was in the form of the cloud? I’m very worried for my two sons who possibly inhaled some of the cloud. It looked like a cloud of white smoke. My kids are showing no symptoms, no coughing. Is there a risk for any permanent lung damage from this incident? Please help me doctor, my anxiety is through the roof.

Thanks
XXXXXXX W.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Jolanda (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Wait until 24 hours

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome in Ask the Doctor

I read carefully your explanation of your situation.

If they are (especially the infants) without sign and simptoms such as cough breathlessness watery red eyes than you don't need to worry about.The most important time is the first 24 hours after the inhaler contact.So keep them under control but if the first hour there are no problem than the probability of having simptoms later is low.

Try to ventilate the house with fresh air

Do not worry so much.It doesn't seems to have caused any damage to your family

Regards

Dr.Jolanda

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Jolanda (5 hours later)

What are the side effects and long term effects of the chemical I listed that they possibility inhaled? Can there be any permanent damage without and side effects? Did you ever hear of the chemical I listed and had cases where it was involved? Should i have messages a poison and control Dr instead of you? I feel like your answer was very bland. I thought it would have more detail. Looking forward to your reply, please move more specific.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Jolanda (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please read the following carefully

Detailed Answer:
Hi again

While sodium bicarbonate is generally not considered to be amongst the most harmful of chemicals, exposure to large amounts may result in some adverse health effects, such as:

Coughing and sneezing if a high concentration of dust has been inhaled
Gastrointestinal irritation can occur if large amounts have been ingested
Mild irritation, such as redness and slight pain, may result from eye contact
In dry form, it’s typically non-irritating to intact skin, however, it can cause irritation to damaged skin when moisture is present.

Please you explained that your members of your family are free of symptoms so there is no need to worry so much.
Or if you think there's a problem with them related to the above I explained than you can contact your doctor for probably further follow up.
Regards

Dr Jolanda

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Jolanda (10 hours later)

are you sure my kids are gonna be ok? they still are having no synptoms? could the chemical scar the lungs???

Answered by Dr. Dr. Jolanda (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Continue discussion

Detailed Answer:
Hi again

According to your explanation of the situation it seems that they will be good.If you are not sure for this please talk with their pediatrician.

Regards

Dr.Jolanda

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj