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What
chlorine is
- Chlorine
is an element used in industry and found in some household products.
- Chlorine
is sometimes in the form of a poisonous gas. Chlorine gas can be pressurized
and cooled to change it into a liquid so that it can be shipped and
stored. When liquid chlorine is released, it quickly turns into a gas
that stays close to the ground and spreads rapidly.
- Chlorine
gas can be recognized by its pungent, irritating odor, which is
like the
odor of bleach. The strong smell may provide an adequate warning to
people that they have been exposed.
- Chlorine
gas appears to be yellow-green in color.
- Chlorine
itself is not flammable, but it can react explosively or form explosive
compounds with other chemicals such as turpentine and ammonia.
Where
chlorine is found and how it is used
- Chlorine
was used during World War I as a choking (pulmonary) agent.
- Chlorine
is one of the most commonly manufactured chemicals in the United States.
Its most important use is as a bleach in the manufacture of paper and
cloth, but it is also used to make pesticides (insect killers), rubber,
and solvents.
- Chlorine
is used in drinking water and swimming pool water to kill harmful bacteria.
It is also as used as part of the sanitation process for industrial
waste and sewage.
- Household
chlorine bleach can release chlorine gas if it is mixed with other cleaning
agents.
How
people can be exposed to chlorine
- People’s
risk for exposure depends on how close they are to the place where the chlorine
was released.
- If chlorine
gas is released into the air, people may be exposed through skin contact or
eye contact. They may also be exposed by breathing air that contains chlorine.
- If chlorine
liquid is released into water, people may be exposed by touching or drinking
water that contains chlorine.
- If chlorine
liquid comes into contact with food, people may be exposed by eating the contaminated
food.
- Chlorine gas
is heavier than air, so it would settle in low-lying areas.
How
chlorine works
- The extent
of poisoning caused by chlorine depends on the amount of chlorine a
person is exposed to, how the person was exposed, and the length of
time of the exposure.
- When
chlorine gas comes into contact with moist tissues such as the eyes,
throat, and lungs, an acid is produced that can damage these tissues.
Immediate
signs and symptoms of chlorine exposure
- During
or immediately after exposure to dangerous concentrations of chlorine,
the following signs and symptoms may develop:
- Coughing
- Chest
tightness
- Burning
sensation in the nose, throat, and eyes
- Watery
eyes
- Blurred
vision
- Nausea
and vomiting
- Burning
pain, redness, and blisters on the skin if exposed to gas, skin
injury similar to frostbite if exposed to liquid chlorine
- Difficulty
breathing or shortness of breath (may appear immediately if high
concentrations of chlorine gas are inhaled, or may be delayed if
low concentrations of chlorine gas are inhaled)
- Fluid
in the lungs (pulmonary edema) within 2 to 4 hours
- Showing
these signs or symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has
been exposed to chlorine.
What
the long-term health effects are
- Long-term
complications from chlorine exposure are not found in people who survive
a sudden exposure unless they suffer complications such as pneumonia
during therapy. Chronic bronchitis may develop in people who develop
pneumonia during therapy.
How
people can protect themselves, and what they should do if they are exposed
to chlorine
- Leave
the area where the chlorine was released and get to fresh air. Quickly
moving to an area where fresh air is available is highly effective in
reducing exposure to chlorine.
- If
the chlorine release was outdoors, move away from the area where
the chlorine was released. Go to the highest ground possible, because
chlorine is heavier than air and will sink to low-lying areas.
- If
the chlorine release was indoors, get out of the building.
- If you think you may have been exposed, remove your clothing, rapidly wash your entire body with soap and water, and get medical care as quickly as possible.
- Removing
and disposing of clothing:
- Quickly
take off clothing that has liquid chlorine on it. Any clothing that has
to be pulled over the head should be cut off the body instead of pulled
over the head. If possible, seal the clothing in a plastic bag. Then seal
the first plastic bag in a second plastic bag. Removing and sealing the
clothing in this way will help protect you and other people from any chemicals
that might be on your clothes.
- If you placed your clothes in plastic bags, inform either the local or state health department or emergency personnel upon their arrival. Do not handle the plastic bags.
- If you are helping other people remove their clothing, try to avoid touching any contaminated areas, and remove the clothing as quickly as possible.
- Washing
the body:
- As quickly as possible, wash your entire body with large amounts of soap and water. Washing with soap and water will help protect people from any chemicals on their bodies.
- If your eyes are burning or your vision is blurred, rinse your eyes with plain water for 10 to 15 minutes. If you wear contacts, remove them before rinsing your eyes, and place them in the bags with the contaminated clothing. Do not put the contacts back in your eyes. You should dispose of them even if you do not wear disposable contacts. If you wear eyeglasses, wash them with soap and water. You can put the eyeglasses back on after you wash them.
- If you have ingested (swallowed) chlorine, do not induce vomiting or drink fluids.
- Seek medical
attention right away. Dial 911 and explain what has happened.
How
chlorine exposure is treated
No antidote
exists for chlorine exposure. Treatment consists of removing the chlorine
from the body as soon as possible and providing supportive medical care
in a hospital setting.
How people can get more information about chlorine
People can
contact one of the following:
- Regional
poison control center (1-800-222-1222)
- Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention
- Public
Response Hotline (CDC)
- English
(888) 246-2675
- Español
(888) 246-2857
- TTY
(866) 874-2646
- Emergency
Preparedness and Response Web site
- E-mail
inquiries: cdcresponse@ashastd.org
- Mail
inquiries:
Public Inquiry c/o BPRP
Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Planning
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Mailstop C-18
1600 Clifton Road
Atlanta, GA 30333
- Agency
for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) (1-888-422-8737)
- E-mail
inquiries: atsdric@cdc.gov
- Mail
inquiries:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Division of Toxicology
1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop E-29
Atlanta, GA 30333
This fact
sheet is based on CDC’s best current information. It may be updated as
new information becomes available.
Last
reviewed on 05/26/04.
The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects people’s
health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries;
enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical
health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships
with local, national, and international organizations.
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