Chemical Reaction - Three dead in Thailand cleaning clogged toilet
In Thailand, three women have died in an attempt to unclog a blocked toilet pipe. A 60-year-old woman and her 34 and 25-year-old daughters reportedly used sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide - a deadly combination, as police reported. The incident occurred on Monday in the province of Chon Buri, south of Bangkok.
The family had used an unlicensed sulfuric acid product in a small room, only 1.20 meters wide and 2.50 meters long, with only a small ventilation hole, according to Trairong Phiwpan from the Forensic Department of the police, quoted by the "Bangkok Post". Toxic fumes were created when mixed with sodium hydroxide.
Police warn the public
The victims were found lifeless some time later. Their mouths were full of saliva and their fingertips and lips were discolored dark green. One of the women was already dead, the other two were later pronounced dead at the hospital. Police have launched an investigation and strongly warned the public against using this dangerous chemical mixture.
The unauthorized use of such chemicals is a severe safety concern, as demonstrated by the police's warning. Regarding the incident, the toxic fumes produced from mixing sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide were likely the cause of the fatal reactions, noting the other fatalities involved.
