Window cleaner poisoning occurs when someone swallows or breathes in large amounts of window cleaner.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Older window cleaners may contain:

• Ammonia
• Ethanol
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Methanol

New types of window cleaners are considered safer.

• Glass Gleam
• Sparkle Glass Cleaner
• Squeegee Off
• Windex

Note: This list does not include all types of glass cleaners.

Note: Most symptoms are seen with older window cleaners containing the toxic ingredients listed above.

• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Loss of vision
  • Severe pain in the throat
  • Severe pain or burning in the nose, eyes, ears, lips, or tongue
• Gastrointestinal
  • Blood in the stool
  • Burns of the food pipe (esophagus)
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Vomiting blood
• Heart and blood
  • Collapse
  • Low blood pressure that develops rapidly
• Lungs and airways
  • Breathing difficulty (from breathing in the substance)
  • Throat swelling (which may also cause breathing difficulty)
• Nervous system
  • Coma
  • Dizziness
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability
  • Severe brain damage
  • Sleepiness
  • Stupor
  • Walking difficulties
• Skin
  • Irritation
  • Burns
  • Holes (necrosis) in the skin or tissues underneath