Chlorine is a common chemical element used in household and industrial products, but exposure to it can cause breathing difficulties and tissue damage. The severity of the risks depends on the amount, method, and duration of exposure. Symptoms include coughing, chest tightness, and skin lesions. Avoiding exposure can be achieved by recognizing the distinct odor of chlorine. Hospital treatment may be necessary in severe cases, but permanent effects are rare.
Chlorine is a natural chemical element. This element is used in numerous household and industrial products. The use of products containing this chemical is common, and special permits and training are generally not required to obtain products containing it. That doesn’t mean, however, that it doesn’t pose a threat to human health. Exposure to chlorine can cause problems such as breathing difficulties and tissue damage.
The risks of exposure to chlorine depend on the severity. In this case, severity refers to a combination of several factors. First, you need to consider how much chlorine a person is exposed to. Chlorine, in small quantities, can be introduced into swimming pools or drinking water without causing any risk. If, however, such dosages are dramatically increased, exposure is likely to have adverse consequences.
Second, you need to consider how the person was exposed. For example, if a person inhales large amounts of chlorine, he or she may have difficulty breathing. Large amounts of chlorine absorbed through the skin can cause inflammation, severe burns or blisters.
The third factor to consider is the duration of exposure to chlorine. For example, a person may be exposed to enough chlorine gas to induce a cough. If that person leaves the area immediately and is exposed to a large amount of fresh air, it is likely that short exposure will not produce long-lasting effects.
A person who has been exposed to chlorine can experience numerous effects. You may start coughing and feel tightness in your chest. When exposure to chlorine is significant, fluid buildup can occur in the lungs.
Chlorine in gaseous form has negative effects on damp tissues. This includes the eyes and lungs. For example, chlorine in the air poses a risk to the eyes.
Exposure to chlorine can cause dermatological damage. When the substance is in its gaseous state, the skin can become painful and a person can develop blisters. In liquid form, the skin lesion can be compared to that which occurs when a person has frostbite.
Hospital treatment may be necessary in some cases of chlorine exposure. Even if this is the case, a person experiencing sudden exposure to chlorine will generally not experience permanent effects, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The exception to this, the CDC says, is when therapy is complicated by a condition like pneumonia. When this happens, a person can develop chronic bronchitis.
The risks of exposure to chlorine can often be avoided. Chlorine has a distinct odor, often described as a pungent egg-like odor. If those working with or using the chemical are aware of this characteristic, chances are they will be able to identify the presence of the chemical. This can eliminate the likelihood of hazardous exposure to the chemical.
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