Doctor Warns Against Inducing Vomiting or Drinking Milk After Bleach Ingestion

Accidentally ingesting bleach requires immediate and specific first aid, with medical professionals warning against common but harmful practices like inducing vomiting or drinking milk. Dr. Jorge Tartaglione emphasized that these actions can exacerbate the damage caused by the corrosive substance.

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Never induce vomiting or drink milk. Never. Do not induce vomiting because it irritates much more.

"Never induce vomiting or drink milk. Never. Do not induce vomiting because it irritates much more," Tartaglione advised during a report on LN+. He explained that when vomit returns from the stomach, it re-exposes the throat and mouth to the bleach, increasing irritation. The doctor stressed that any subsequent treatment should be managed by professionals.

Instead of inducing vomiting, the critical first step is to rinse the mouth thoroughly with water, spit it out, and immediately contact a poison control center. While waiting for professional assistance, the affected person should not ingest any substance unless specifically instructed by a medical expert.

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Milk does not neutralize chlorine. It is very important.

Tartaglione also debunked the myth that milk can neutralize bleach. "Milk does not neutralize chlorine. It is very important," he stated, highlighting that homemade remedies or self-administered treatments are dangerous. He urged people to avoid storing bleach in containers originally meant for beverages and to keep cleaning products separate from food items to prevent accidental ingestion.

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Immediately rinse your mouth, but do not swallow. Spit it out and call the toxicology 0800 number.