As part of the ongoing series on poisoning, Nicola Bates describes poisoning by bleaches, disinfectants & detergents

There are many different household products used for cleaning. When dealing with an enquiry concerning an adult or child who has ingested a household cleaner, it is essential to determine the type of product involved. This is particularly important where the container is not available because general information may be available on the sort of ingredients found in that type of product.