Inhaling sodium hydroxide and pregnant WORRIED

[Lama82]

last post I created I wrote the wrong chemical in the title (pregnant and stressed)

have just started cleaning in a new building at work. I have not told them I am pregnant as I am still in my first trimester.

I have been using the industrial floor cleaner for over a week (atleast an hour a day of mopping) and it’s been giving me a really sore throat afterwards for a few hours. Tonight I figured it must be the cleaner and checked it and it’s this

www.janitorialwarehouse.co.uk/best-sellers-clover-ubik-2000-universal-cleaner-concentrate-5-litre-301/view/820

from what I have read it is full of hydrogen peroxide and other chemicals and it’s extremely dangerous especially in pregnancy.

I am so worried that I have potentially harmed my baby now. I never usually use this cleaner so not normally an issue. I’ve been breathing this in every day for a week.

do I need to contact someone about this? From what I gather it’s just as dangerous as oven cleaner when pregnant.

I should have checked before hand it’s my fault I just feel like such an idiot now.

I can’t see the bit were it says it’s extremely dangerous when pregnant, not sure if I’ve missed it. But im sure it will be ok, it’s dilute and in a mop bucket so your face won’t have been in close proximity to it breathing it in when concentrated like you would with oven cleaner. I think it’s really unlikely to have done serious damage to your baby, but you could contact your midwife for guidance I’m sure they wouldn’t mind at all OP.

@BattenburgDonkey thanks yeah I think I will give them a call tomorrow. I just feel like such an idiot now. So upset. Sodium hydroxide is dangerous when inhaled especially when pregnant it’s the same ingredient as oven cleaner that’s why I’m panicking. The rooms aren’t ventilated either it’s a very old small building. Basically going against the guidance written on the tub

This risk assessment found via google suggests no concern for your baby? But you could always ask to see the risk assessments at work for it and make sure you are using proper PPE if advised/ if you need to as sensitive to it?

spotlesslyclean.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Cleaning-Chemical-Risk-Assessment-UBIK-2000.pdf

I've looked at the safety data sheet and it isn't saying anything about risk to pregnancy - it would be saying on there if there was any risk as legally it has to cover the specific risks of the chemicals on there.
Providing you used the stated levels of dilution and the PPE/precautions listed in 8.2 then it should be fine, but do give them a call for any reassurance.

Copied reply from your other thread:

Having looked at the safety data sheet, there is nothing in that which is classed as problematic in pregnancy, baby will be fine.

If its not diluted properly, it could cause issues with vapours or skin contact.

Basically, dont splash it all over yourself, and use in a well ventilated place. Baby is fine. Sounds like you are sensitive to the fumes. Might becworty checking about ventilation, length of use without a break, and concentration.

Thanks I will give them a call I’m worried about the exposure over a week what it could have done. And if I’m honest I don’t think I diluted it no where near the amount I should have now reading that.

Update if anyone else comes across this; spoke to a midwife and she said it is very dangerous and nothing I can do now apart from wait and see. Not reassuring at all understandably they said they can’t offer me any reassurance. very angry at myself.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachmentdata/file/769776/SodiummHydroxidePHEEgeneralinformationn_070119.pdf

Scroll down. I'm surprised your midwife hasn't sought to reassure you rather than cause you such distress.

Lama, your midwife is being sensationalist and extreme.
Please, dont worry about baby. Sodium hydroxide doesnt attack internally like that.
Yes, the breathing difficulties suggest the usage of the cleaning fluid isnt ideal, but ventilation and dilution should resolve that.
I used to do risk assessments at work for any pregnant staff. Sodium hydroxide wouldnt even be on my list of things to consider.

Thanks both, I really hope so. My anxiety has been through the roof about it. I guess there is absolutely nothing I can do now. I read up on it so much online last night and it’s made it so much worse every single website and article saying it’s the worst chemical to be around while pregnant. Terrified me. Thank you for giving me some reassurance

Ask your midwife or doctor to phone UKTIS on 0344 892 0909

They will be able to properly assess the risk.

www.uktis.org/

@Ethelfromnumber73 Ok thanks I will message and ask

DM me @Lama82

@Ethelfromnumber73 just done it