Toxic Fumes from Mixed Household Cleaners Send New Baltimore Residents to Hospital

When a New Baltimore resident mixed two drain cleaners together Wednesday, the fumes created a toxic vapor that sent him and a family member to the hospital, according to fire officials.

Trying to unclog a kitchen drain, the resident mixed Drano with Floweasy Drain Opener around 4:30 p.m. at the 35000 block of Brooke Court, New Baltimore Fire Chief Ken Lawfield.

Firefighters and paramedics responded to the home, finding one of the residents experiencing breathing difficulties. The two individuals were treated at a nearby hospital for what is believed to be non-life-threatening injuries, Lawfield said.

"The products were removed from the home, the drain was flushed with large amounts of water and the home was ventilated to remove the toxic vapors. After the home was deemed clear of hazards the occupants were allowed back in," the fire department stated.

Lawfield said household cleaners should never be mixed together and advises the public to follow product label instructions.

“You really don’t want to mix two different products together because you never know what will happen," he said.