The American journal of emergency medicine
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Wood bleach is >95 % oxalic acid formulation used off-label as a miticide for Varroa mites by hobbyist beekeepers. Wood bleach (oxalic acid) ingestions are poorly documented in the medical literature. A 46-year-old man presented to the emergency department nauseated and vomiting after accidentally ingesting "bleach and grain ethanol intended for use in beekeeping." Initial evaluation was reported to the regional Poison Center as a creatinine concentration of 2.46 mg/dL (217 μmol/L); he was otherwise well. ⋯ Hemodialysis continued at 2-week follow-up. Presentations of anion gap metabolic acidosis in those who practice beekeeping should prompt consideration of oxalic acid toxicity. Early nephrology consultation may be needed to facilitate hemodialysis to prevent or treat metabolic acidosis and renal failure.