Inhalation of chlorine gas

Abstract

Humans can come into contact with chlorine gas during short term, high level exposures in gas, paper and pulp, textile, pharmaceutical, cosmetic or other industries, especially when occupational disasters happen

Chlorine has intermediate water solubility with the capability of causing acute damage to the upper and lower respiratory tract. Most incidents of chlorine exposure are through accidental industrial or household exposures. Toxicity to chlorine gas depends on the dose and duration of exposure. Because of its strong odor, chlorine gas can be detected easily acute exposure can result in symptoms of acute airway obstruction including wheezing, cough, chest tightness and dyspnea.

In 2016, the American association of poison control centers reported over 6300 exposures to chlorine, making it the most common inhalation irritant in the United States. About 35% of exposures to chlorine gas were attributed to mixing of household acid with hypochlorite. In addition to household exposures, there have been multiple episodes of incidents involving chlorine gas release.

Chlorine gas is also the most frequent cause of major toxic release incidents internationally. Because of its widespread industrial use, chlorine gas has substantial potential for accidental release.