Chemical drain cleaners change the pH (acidity) of water, harming pipes, fish, and water quality.  Those on septic systems are advised against using chemical drain cleaners because they kill the bacteria necessary for proper function of the septic system.

Unused chemical drain cleaners are regarded as toxic waste and frequently will not be accepted by garbage collectors.  

Chemical drain cleaners, mixed with common bathroom cleaners, pose a significant risk of explosion!

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has considered the elimination of chemical drain cleaner sales to the general public because of the hazards they pose.  According to the CPSC (2006 Petition HP 04-2), the annual use of 75 million bottles of chemical drain cleaners costs the U.S. $93 million to medically treat injuries caused by chemical drain cleaners.  This is compared $38 million in annual medical costs to treat injuries related to the use of the 1 billion lighters sold annually.

The most common injury from chemical drain cleaners is a burn.  However, chemical drain cleaners cause significant injury if they are swallowed, splashed into eyes, or their fumes inhaled. If you have been exposed to a chemical drain cleaner, call poison control immediately (1-800-222-1222) and read the following (medline).

According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, in 2004 there were 5644 reported chemical drain cleaner induced injuries and 10 deaths (see p. 638 of AAPC 2004 Report).  By 2007, there were 5,717 reported injuries (see p. 1011 of AAPC 2007 Report).