What two chemicals, when mixed, can cause lung damage?

Ammonia and bleach, when mixed, create a toxic gas known as chloramine, which can lead to serious lung damage and respiratory issues upon inhalation. This reaction occurs because each of these chemicals contains compounds that can react with one another, releasing harmful vapors.

While other combinations listed in the question may involve chemical reactions, they do not produce the same level of toxicity or threat to lung health that ammonia and bleach do. For instance, vinegar and baking soda react to produce carbon dioxide and are generally safe; hydrogen peroxide and alcohol can form peracetic acid, but this is also not as immediately hazardous for lung damage.

Understanding the risks associated with mixing cleaning chemicals is crucial for maintaining safety in any environment, particularly in food service and retail settings like those in a Publix deli. Therefore, recognizing the dangers of certain combinations, like ammonia and bleach, is vital for ensuring a safe workplace.