Can you die if you drink bleach?

Bleach contains chemicals that have corrosive qualities and can be fatal if ingested in a large quantity. Ingesting smaller amounts typically causes irritation and minor issues in the digestive system, eyes and nose.

Chemicals such as sodium hypochlorite in bleach are the cause of its potentially damaging properties. Sodium hypochlorite is not fatal in small, diluted amounts, but may cause minor irritation and burning in the respiratory and digestive systems.

If a large amount of these chemicals are ingested, the corrosive properties they contain may induce heart shock, delirium or a coma. The severity of these symptoms and damage to the nervous system and heart may ultimately result in death.