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Is Inhaling Chlorine Gas Harmful?

Posted on Thu, 16 Jun 2016

Question: Yesterday, I was helping my husband move stuff out of our old house and accidentally spilled some bleach on his car seats. While he ran upstairs to wet some paper towels, I went looking for how to stop bleach from staining the car seats. I saw that vinegar definitely helped with that. After he wet down the seats, he used the vinegar.

I then remembered that when vinegar and bleach are mixed together they create chlorine gas. He kept saying not to worry and that I'm overreacting (because the two were not mixed together in a bottle and that the water he blotted onto the bleach diluted it). He rolled down the windows and drove to our new home saying he was fine. I didn't see any gas BUT I'm wondering how long until the car is safe?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is safe,but should keep the car well ventilated...

Detailed Answer:
Hi my dear,

When it comes to chlorine or other gases, usually, we do recommend to ventilate the car well; open the windows for the next few days. I also recommend to rinse the place of car seat where the bleach was spilled with water and then with vinegar again.

Your car is safe, but should keep well ventilated.

All the best!
Dr.Albana

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D