A young resident of Almaty suffered from poisoning by fumes from a cleaning product while trying to scrub her shower cabin. The incident occurred during cleaning: the woman applied the gel to surfaces and began wiping off dirt with a sponge. Within minutes, she experienced burning eyes, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and a rapid heartbeat, reports infohub.kz.
According to the Telegram channel Mash, the 25-year-old victim lost consciousness, and before the ambulance arrived, her neighbor, who turned out to be a doctor, helped her. Paramedics who responded to the call suggested hospitalization, but the woman refused. However, her condition soon deteriorated sharply, and she was eventually taken to the hospital, where she received necessary procedures, including IV drips and oxygen therapy. Doctors diagnosed poisoning by chemical fumes.
The Almaty Public Health Department confirmed that the patient was hospitalized with a diagnosis of "mild chemical fume poisoning." In the emergency department, a multidisciplinary team examined her, provided emergency care, and then discharged her under outpatient observation at a local clinic.
Doctors warn that using household chemicals in a poorly ventilated area can cause respiratory irritation, bronchospasm, and even lung damage with prolonged exposure. Particularly dangerous is mixing different products, such as chlorine-based cleaners with acids or ammonia, which releases toxic gases.
Magadin Khairov, head of the emergency department at City Clinical Hospital No. 4, recommends that at the first symptoms, immediately stop cleaning and go out into fresh air. Even if you feel better, do not return indoors until the area is fully ventilated. Open windows and doors to enhance ventilation.
The doctor highlights alarming symptoms: worsening cough, sore or burning throat, eye irritation, wheezing, shortness of breath, dizziness, and nausea. If the product gets on skin or in eyes, quickly remove it: rinse with water, remove clothing, and flush eyes for at least 15 minutes.
Doctors emphasize that you should never mix different cleaning agents, especially chlorine-based ones with acids or ammonia, as this can produce toxic compounds and cause serious respiratory damage. If symptoms persist or worsen after getting fresh air, seek medical help. In severe cases—pronounced shortness of breath, choking, chest pain, or altered consciousness—call an ambulance immediately and ensure the victim rests and has access to fresh air.