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Can Windshield Washer Fluid Kill You?

Windshield washer fluid is a common household item used to clean windshields and windows. It is typically made of a mixture of water, alcohol, and detergents. While windshield washer fluid is generally considered to be safe, there are some potential risks associated with its use.

Ingredients in Windshield Washer Fluid

The main ingredients in windshield washer fluid are:

Water: Water is the main component of windshield washer fluid, making up around 90% of the mixture.

Alcohol: Alcohol is added to windshield washer fluid to help it evaporate quickly and prevent it from freezing. It also helps to dissolve dirt and grime.

Detergents: Detergents are added to windshield washer fluid to help it clean windshields and windows. They break down dirt and grime, making it easier to remove.

Potential Risks of Windshield Washer Fluid

There are a few potential risks associated with the use of windshield washer fluid:

Eye irritation: Windshield washer fluid can cause eye irritation if it gets in your eyes. It is important to avoid getting windshield washer fluid in your eyes, and to rinse your eyes thoroughly with water if it does get in them.

Skin irritation: Windshield washer fluid can also cause skin irritation if it comes into contact with your skin. It is important to avoid getting windshield washer fluid on your skin, and to wash your skin thoroughly with soap and water if it does come into contact with it.

Inhalation: Windshield washer fluid can be harmful if inhaled. It is important to avoid inhaling windshield washer fluid, and to open windows or doors to ventilate the area if you do inhale it.

Ingestion: Windshield washer fluid can be harmful if ingested. It is important to avoid ingesting windshield washer fluid, and to call the poison control center if you do ingest it.

Symptoms of Windshield Washer Fluid Poisoning

The symptoms of windshield washer fluid poisoning can include:

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Abdominal pain

Headache

Dizziness

Confusion

Seizures

Coma

Treatment for Windshield Washer Fluid Poisoning

The treatment for windshield washer fluid poisoning depends on the severity of the symptoms. In mild cases, treatment may include:

Giving the person plenty of fluids to drink

Inducing vomiting

Giving the person activated charcoal to absorb the poison

In more severe cases, treatment may include:

Intravenous fluids

Medications to treat the symptoms

Mechanical ventilation

How to Avoid Windshield Washer Fluid Poisoning

There are a few things you can do to avoid windshield washer fluid poisoning:

Keep windshield washer fluid out of the reach of children and pets.

Do not store windshield washer fluid in food or drink containers.

Do not drink windshield washer fluid.

Do not get windshield washer fluid in your eyes or on your skin.

If you do get windshield washer fluid in your eyes or on your skin, rinse the area thoroughly with water.

If you do inhale windshield washer fluid, open windows or doors to ventilate the area.

If you do ingest windshield washer fluid, call the poison control center.

Conclusion

Windshield washer fluid is a common household item that can be harmful if used improperly. It is important to keep windshield washer fluid out of the reach of children and pets, and to avoid getting it in your eyes, on your skin, or in your mouth. If you do get windshield washer fluid in your eyes, on your skin, or in your mouth, rinse the area thoroughly with water and call the poison control center.