There are two main classes of chlorine poisoning symptoms: those related to inhalation and those related to ingestion. People who have inhaled excessive amounts of the substance, which is known chemically as sodium hypochlorite They often experience breathing problems, skin rashes, and problems with watery eyes or blurred vision. Someone who has swallowed it, on the other hand, is likely to become violently ill, lose the ability to speak or think clearly, and feel a burning sensation in the throat and stomach. Both forms of bleach poisoning are very serious and can be life-threatening. People who think that they or others may be suffering from this condition should seek immediate medical attention.
Respiratory problems
One of the most common symptoms of chlorine inhalation is difficulty breathing, which includes coughing and wheezing. People may also experience shortness of breath, extremely severe sore throat, and pressure or tightness in the chest. When bleach particles are inhaled, they travel directly to the lungs and cause the delicate tissues there to swell almost immediately. Sometimes the breathing difficulties are short-lived, but in many other cases the damage can be long-lasting and can worsen if left untreated.
Skin rashes and eye problems
Vapors can also penetrate the delicate mucus around the eyes, which can cause either tearing or excessive dryness, depending on the person and the extent of exposure. Skin rashes may also develop. If the bleach came into contact with the skin, as is common on hands when the chemical was used for cleaning, breakouts can occur in these areas; Red patches or hives may also develop on the face, chest, or anywhere else the skin is particularly sensitive. As the body fights off inhaled toxins, many of the most delicate areas can become irritated.
nausea and vomiting
Someone who has inhaled gases may also experience nausea, although this symptom is much more common when the substance is ingested. Nausea and vomiting are some of the most basic ways for the body to eliminate toxins, and they are also some of the early symptoms of poisoning. Victims may also feel dizzy, shake, or go from feeling too hot to too cold in a matter of minutes.
Cognitive Difficulty
Once the bleach has begun to absorb into a person's bloodstream, he or she may also begin to have some difficulty thinking, processing, or expressing information. Slurred speech is a common symptom, as are nonsensical statements and a general sense of confusion. They are usually a sign of reaction serious and can lead to cerebral arrest or coma if left untreated.
Organ and tissue damage
People who ingest large amounts of chlorine almost always suffer from internal damage and scarring, although the symptoms of these conditions can be more difficult to detect. Abdominal pain, severe cramps, and a burning or hot sensation can be signs of organ damage. With prolonged contact, the lining of the throat and stomach can be eaten, and the esophagus and lungs can be scarred by burns. The respiratory tract, as well as the intestinal tract, can be damaged to the point of being life-threatening.
To do
Anyone who suspects that they or someone else has been poisoned by chlorine should seek immediate medical attention, either by visiting an emergency room, calling a community clinic, or contacting local poison control authorities. It can be tempting to induce vomiting, but this is usually not a good idea. Bleach that is already in the stomach can actually cause plus burning and pain when returning to the esophagus and throat. Most experts recommend drinking plenty of water and getting help right away.
Flushing eyes with water and moving to a well-ventilated area may also help in cases of inhalation. Anyone who wears contact lenses should remove them, as they can actually trap the chemical against the eyeball. A hot, soapy shower can also be helpful if the bleach has actually made contact with a person's skin, and breathing in the hot steam can be helpful in any case.