What makes chlorine dangerous




















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 adequate warning to people that they are 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 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 certain other cleaning agents. Chlorine was used during World War I as a choking pulmonary agent. If chlorine gas is released into the air, people may be exposed through skin contact or eye contact.

They also may 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: Blurred vision Burning pain, redness, and blisters on the skin if exposed to gas. Skin injuries similar to frostbite can occur if it is exposed to liquid chlorine Burning sensation in the nose, throat, and eyes Coughing Chest tightness Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.

Thesemay appear immediately if high concentrations of chlorine gas are inhaled, or they may be delayed if low concentrations of chlorine gas are inhaled. Fluid in the lungs pulmonary edema that may be delayed for a few hours Nausea and vomiting Watery eyes Wheezing Showing these signs or symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has been exposed to chlorine.

And, in another study, published in in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, investigators found that people who swam in a chlorinated pool for 40 minutes had increased biomarkers i. However, a study published in the same journal found that while there is a higher bladder cancer risk when drinking chlorinated water, there was little to no evidence linking swimming in a chlorinated pool and bladder cancer risk in a study that looked at the number of hours in the swimming pool during summer and non-summer months and during different age ranges.

The U. Environmental Protection Agency have not classified chlorine as a human carcinogen, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So, is chlorine bad for your health?

Not exactly, said Preston J. In fact, the lack of appropriate chlorination to kill harmful bacteria, such as E. For example, in May , in Walkerton, Ontario, seven people died and more than 2, got sick after the town's water supply became infected with E. If the required chlorine levels had been maintained, the disaster could have been prevented, even after the water was contaminated, according to a report published by the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General.

Additionally, adding chlorine to water is one method that many are trying to make clean water easily accessible in developing countries. A study published in states that 3. Chlorinating the water supply in addition to bringing water closer to the communities is one important step in bringing clean water closer to those who need it.

In addition, there is some promising research-related news about chlorine. MacDougall pointed to a recent study on chlorine atoms found in a novel class of antibiotic compounds that have been discovered in tiny marine organisms in North Atlantic waters near Norway.

Those chlorine atoms are essential to the antibiotic activity of the compounds, which can be effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus , a bacterium that causes hard-to-treat infections in people and is resistant to commonly used antibiotics, he said.

Live Science. If the poisoning is due to chlorine gas, leave the area immediately and move somewhere where there is clean air, which may mean going outside. If chlorine has contaminated skin or clothing, remove the clothing and wash the entire body with soap and water.

For burning eyes or blurred vision, rinse the eyes thoroughly with clean water and remove any contact lenses. If a person has swallowed chlorine, do not drink any fluids or attempt to force the chlorine out by vomiting.

Doctors usually treat people with chlorine poisoning in the hospital emergency department. There is currently no antidote for chlorine exposure.

Treatment focuses on removing the chlorine from the body as quickly as possible, which may involve the use of medication or activated charcoal. This procedure involves inserting a tube through the nose or mouth and down into the stomach. The doctor then uses suction to drain the contents of the stomach through the tube. A person with chlorine poisoning may also require further hospital care to treat symptoms and support breathing. Chlorine poisoning can be severe, even with proper medical care.

The outlook will depend on the amount and type of chlorine exposure, and how soon a person receives treatment. It is possible to prevent chlorine poisoning by handling chlorine-based products with extra care, including:. Many industrial and household products contain chlorine, including bleaches, cleaning products, and water purification tablets.

Although chlorine is a highly toxic chemical, it is safe when handled correctly. Chlorine exposure can cause serious harm. If a person shows signs or symptoms of chlorine poisoning, call the emergency services immediately and await their advice before taking further action. If possible, however, the individual should move to a safe area, remove any contaminated clothing, and wash their skin. The outlook depends on the amount and type of chlorine exposure and how rapidly the individual receives medical care.

Chemicals used as cooling agents in refrigeration and air-conditioning units can be deadly if inhaled. This rarely occurs by accident, but some people…. Some people develop a rash after swimming in chlorinated pools or soaking in hot tubs.



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