Abstract
Cleaning products are responsible for many accidental exposures among children and adults and depending on the composition, they may cause a corrosive damage. In this study we focused on the counts, consequences of exposures to the products, symptoms, first aid and treatment provided with special attention to the products the label of which did not correspond to the detailed composition of the product in the Material Safety Data Sheets.
The outcomes of exposures of cleaning household products have been collected in a prospective study during one year, based on the calls to the Czech Toxicological Information Centre between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009. Cleaning products were divided into five categories according to their use and chemical characteristics.
Altogether 40 subjects were admitted to the hospital. Total 31 endoscopies (ES) were performed.
ES findings brought normal finding in 12 cases, 1st grade in 17. In only two patients 2nd - 3rd grade injuries of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) were found.
The label of all cleaning products should show the contents and percentage of all hazardous substances. The dose is frequently uncertain and the broad corrosives composition range and unreliable labeling may contribute to futile hospitalizations and ES in both children and adults.
For characterization of potential consequences which could be caused by ingestion of these cleaning products or skin contaminations by them, the electrochemical pH determination and determination of titrable solution reserve were suggested.