PSI Barbering Practice Exam

Mixing bleach with vinegar is particularly dangerous because this combination creates toxic chlorine gas. When bleach, which contains sodium hypochlorite, encounters acetic acid (the active component in vinegar), a chemical reaction occurs that releases chlorine gas. Inhaling chlorine gas can lead to serious health issues, including respiratory problems, irritation of the eyes, and other severe reactions.

It's crucial to understand that while the other substances listed do not generate toxic gases when mixed with bleach, they still can affect the effectiveness or stability of the bleach. For example, mixing bleach with dish soap can create a reaction that makes it less effective as a disinfectant. Acids and hydrogen peroxide can similarly destabilize bleach when combined, but the immediate threat from vinegar is the release of harmful gas, which makes it particularly dangerous.