Household chemicals led to the death of an entire family in Thailand

An attempt to clear a bathroom clog with a cleaning product has resulted in tragedy for a family of three in Thailand.

A tragic incident occurred in Chonburi province, resulting in the deaths of three members of the same family. According to the Thai News Agency (TNA), police concluded that the cause of death was toxic fumes from a chemical reaction involving sulphuric acid.

A forensic investigation led by Police Lieutenant-General Trairong Phiwpan, commissioner of the Police Forensic Science Department, found that the victims – a police captain and her two daughters – had used a sewer cleaning product containing highly concentrated sulphuric acid.

‘We found a sewer cleaning product in the bathroom that contained a high concentration of sulphuric acid. When this substance comes into contact with other chemicals, it can produce an extremely toxic gas,’ explained Lieutenant General Trairong.

The product, which did not have a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) registration number, allegedly reacted with other cleaning products in the bathroom to produce toxic hydrogen sulphide, also known as ‘sewer gas.’

The incident occurred when the family attempted to clear a clog in the bathroom. After the sewer cleaning product was poured down the drain, they closed the room, causing toxic fumes to build up inside. The mother and one of the daughters entered the bathroom to help the other daughter, but all three were gassed.

Autopsies will be performed to confirm the exact cause of death, but preliminary results strongly suggest that the victims died from acute hydrogen sulphide poisoning.

Hydrogen sulphide is a colourless gas with a distinctive rotten egg smell. It is highly toxic and can cause instant unconsciousness and death at high concentrations.

Authorities urge the public to exercise caution when using household chemicals and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. In addition, the source of the drain cleaner and the possibility of legal action against the manufacturer or distributor is under investigation.

This tragic case emphasises the importance of safety precautions when handling household chemicals and the need for proper ventilation when using such products.