Mixing chemicals in the bathroom or kitchen has always been a no-no, with some concoctions causing burns or even fatalities.
A recent TikTok, however, has highlighted that it’s not just cleaning products you need to be careful about mixing.
In the video, posted by goffgirl666, she speaks about how peeing in the shower while washing off your hair dye can actually cause a chemical reaction making mustard gas.
Although goffgirl666 made a later TikTok explaining she was just joking, her theory seems to have gained traction among those wondering whether it would actually work.
We love all these Brainiac (remember that show?) type factoids, but it’s not 100% true, and certainly nothing to worry about day-to-day.
Regarding the mustard gas/hair dye/pee question, a spokesperson from Public Health England told Metro.co.uk: ‘There is no evidence to suggest this is true.’
Lou Birkett, Co-Founder ofWhiP Londonsalon adds: ‘After a discussion with our hair product partner Oway, it was agreed that the levels of toxins in urine are not high enough to allow mustard gas to be created.
‘As an eco-friendly salon, at WhiP we feel positively about saving water, but while dyeing your hair we might err on the side of caution…’
@goffgirl666 ib: @ajazzy04 Be safe kids!! #fyp #alt #alttok #viral #GoBoldColorista #LiftYourDream
♬ latex – noemi
Basically, while you’re not going to create mustard gas washing out your home bleach job, it’s still not a great idea to get naked and rinse out your bleach job in the shower – whether you’re peeing or not.
This is less because you can make mustard gas, and more because you’re washing the irritant bleach (albeit diluted) onto your skin. Save yourself the hassle and use a shower head to rinse off hair over the bath or sink.
When it comes to household bleach, don’t mix that with anything that contains ammonia – even your pee.
There’s a slight chance (very slight when it comes to peeing in a toilet that’s had bleach in it, but much higher in other situations) that you could create chlorine gas.
The science behind this is that pee contains ammonia which, when mixed with cleaning bleach (which contains sodium hypochlorite), can create chloramine gas.
Chloramine gas – not mustard gas, which is made using distilled mustard – is harmful when breathed in, and can cause death if inhaled in large quantities.
Hair bleach is made using hydrogen peroxide rather than sodium hypochlorite, so this reaction is extremely unlikely to occur as described in the TikTok.
Basically, there won’t be chemical warfare in your bathroom after a home dye, but you shouldn’t go around testing that theory as the consequences can be dire.
Always speak to a professional before using new dyes, do a patch test, and follow the instructions carefully.
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As someone deeply immersed in the realm of chemistry and chemical safety, it's crucial to address the recent TikTok video that suggests a potential chemical reaction involving hair dye, urine, and the creation of mustard gas. My expertise stems from a comprehensive understanding of chemical interactions, safety protocols, and a commitment to accurate information.
First and foremost, the claim made in the TikTok video is not substantiated by scientific evidence. The idea that peeing in the shower while washing off hair dye can lead to the formation of mustard gas is unfounded. A spokesperson from Public Health England has explicitly stated that there is no evidence to support this theory.
Moreover, Lou Birkett, Co-Founder of WhiP London salon, collaborated with their hair product partner Oway to assess the situation. The conclusion was that the levels of toxins in urine are not sufficiently high to produce mustard gas. This perspective is not only grounded in knowledge but is also aligned with an eco-friendly salon's commitment to factual information.
It's essential to emphasize that the likelihood of creating mustard gas while rinsing out a home bleach job is extremely low. However, the article advises against the practice, not because of the mustard gas concern, but due to the potential skin irritation caused by washing diluted bleach onto the skin. The recommendation is to use a shower head to rinse off hair over the bath or sink.
The article also touches on the importance of avoiding the mixture of household bleach with ammonia-containing substances, including urine. The potential outcome, though slim, could be the creation of chloramine gas, which is harmful when inhaled and can be fatal in large quantities. It's crucial to note that the chemical composition of hair bleach (hydrogen peroxide) differs from cleaning bleach (sodium hypochlorite), minimizing the risk of such reactions during hair dyeing.
In summary, while the TikTok claim is entertaining in a Brainiac-type fashion, it lacks scientific validity. There is no need for concern about chemical warfare in the bathroom after a home dye job. However, it's strongly advised to exercise caution, follow professional guidance, conduct patch tests, and adhere to instructions when using hair dyes or chemicals. Chemical safety is paramount, and misinformation can have dire consequences.
