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Is Accidental Inhalation Of Chemical Fumes From Dishwasher A Cause For Concern?

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Posted on Tue, 22 Dec 2015
Question: I just opened the dishwasher and got a face full of steam of burning plastic. I smelt a burning chemical smell for about 5 minutes and located it coming from dishwasher. So when I opened it a cloud of steam came out I which I inhaled. Should I be concerned?
The whole house smells this way now even when fans are on and doors open. Should I stay somewhere else tonight?
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Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (14 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Go out, breathe in fresh air

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

Burning plastic (even singing of plastic) can produce carbon monoxide along with other toxic gases. If you have inhaled the gases, the remedy is breathing out in fresh air. If you have an option of staying elsewhere, you can definitely opt for that. Else, you can keep your windows (and other ventilation channels) open, go out, return back after an hour or so and see if the smell seems back to normal.

Feel free to ask me back in case of further queries.

Regards
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1954

Answered : 4467 Questions

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Is Accidental Inhalation Of Chemical Fumes From Dishwasher A Cause For Concern?

Brief Answer: Go out, breathe in fresh air Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic. Burning plastic (even singing of plastic) can produce carbon monoxide along with other toxic gases. If you have inhaled the gases, the remedy is breathing out in fresh air. If you have an option of staying elsewhere, you can definitely opt for that. Else, you can keep your windows (and other ventilation channels) open, go out, return back after an hour or so and see if the smell seems back to normal. Feel free to ask me back in case of further queries. Regards