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Chlorine FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) Below are
frequently asked questions, answers and helpful links about Chlorine: 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. 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:
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:
Washing the body:
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. This information was downloaded from the Pinal
County, Arizona website and is used in accordance with the Pinal
County Web Disclaimer. The original
document may be found at the following website: (http://co.pinal.az.us/PubHealth/BDPR/majoragents/chemical/majoragents_chlo.asp) Safety Talk Attendance
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