Three residents were evaluated for medical complaints late in the evening after an incident involving common household cleaning products, prompting a hazardous materials response.
CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department crews responded to a report at 9:36 p.m. at an apartment complex or residence located in the 22900 block of Bay Avenue. The initial call was placed by a property manager.
The Incident
According to fire officials, the three residents began experiencing adverse health effects after using a combination of standard household cleaning products while attempting to clean and unclog a drain.
Mixing certain common household cleaners—such as bleach and ammonia or bleach and acids—can cause chemical reactions that release highly toxic fumes into the air, leading to respiratory distress, eye irritation, and other medical issues.
Emergency Response & Outcome
Following standard safety protocols for chemical exposure, the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health and the RVC Fire HAZMAT team were dispatched to the scene, officially dubbed the Brentwood Incident (#BrentwoodIC).
First responders evaluated the three patients at the location. All three individuals declined further medical treatment and transport to local hospitals.
Fire officials confirmed that no other residents or firefighters were injured during the incident. Emergency resources remained on the scene for approximately two hours to ensure the environment was secure and properly ventilated.
