News
February 21 2026
Expert warns misuse of bleach can damage skin, cause fatal poisoning
Updated
5
hours
ago
5
min read
Loading article...
-
Michael’s hand shows the lingering effects of chemical overexposure, even after the worst of the flare-up has subsided.
-
Topical medication now forms part of Michael’s routine to treat and prevent further skin damage exacerbated by harsher sanitisers and chemicals.
For many Jamaicans, bleach is a trusted household staple used to clean kitchens, disinfect surfaces, and even treat water in times of emergency. But improper use, especially without correct dilution or when mixed with other chemicals, may be quietly causing skin damage and other health problems that often go unreported. That is the warning from Sherika Whitelocke-Ballingsingh, poison information coordinator at the Caribbean Poison Information Centre, College of Health Sciences at the University of Technology.
