'I was struggling to breathe': Warning for Londoners when using cleaning products

London Fire Brigade Credit: ITV News

Londoners are being warned of the dangers of mixing common cleaning products together after callouts to chemical incidents.

London Fire Brigade (LFB) says accidentally combining products can trigger a chemical reaction and unleash dangerous fumes.

Since 2023, the Brigade has attended more than 150 incidents involving cleaning chemicals which have triggered a dangerous reaction.

Chemical incidents require specially trained and equipped officers to identify and deal with these dangerous combinations.

One man in Plumstead, south east London, who ended up in hospital says he won't mix chemicals again after mixing two common cleaning products.

Santosh Karma was exposed to dangerous gases after using bleach in his wash basin, toilet, and bath followed by a drain cleaner.

Describing the incident the IT worker said: "The mixture started to produce gases, and as I continued cleaning I began to have trouble breathing and started coughing.

"I opened the small bathroom window, but it didn't help. I knew something wasn’t right, so I rushed out of the bathroom.

“After a few minutes I was struggling to breathe.

"It was scary not being able to breathe properly."

Mr Karma said he was "surprised" to see firefighters with breathing apparatus attend the incident, not knowing the severity of the fumes.

"I’d advise anyone who does the cleaning, and uses products, to always read the label. This was a scary experience, and I would not want anyone else to go through it,” Mr Karma warns.

London Fire Brigade has responded to more than150 incidents involving cleaning chemicals since 2023. Credit: PA

"The label of products will always explain how to safely use the product and the risks of mixing it with other things," says Group Commander Matt Hayward.

"People often think that cleaning products will be twice as effective when mixed, but it can be a recipe for disaster.

People who do accidentally mix chemicals and start to feel unwell are advsed to leave the property immediately and stay outside and call 999.

LFB's top tips to keep safe when using cleaning products:

  • Read the instructions and beware of any warning labels.

  • Keep chemicals in their original containers with all original labels.

  • Do not pour chemicals into the same container or use one cleaner right after another, as it may create dangerous gases.

  • Always store harmful chemicals away and out of reach of children.

  • Read and follow the instructions on products and always use them as they are intended to be used.

  • Always open windows in the rooms in which you are using any chemicals to allow for natural ventilation.

  • Be sure to completely wash off one cleaning product before applying a second cleaning product, so that there is no mixing of chemicals.

  • Consider professional tradespeople if over-the-counter cleaners or drain unblockers are unsuccessful.

  • Contact your council about how to safely dispose of unused chemicals.

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