Chlorine poisoning occurs when the chemical chlorine is ingested, inhaled, or otherwise internalized into the body. Used to prevent the growth of bacteria, chlorine is used as a commercial and industrial disinfectant, most commonly in swimming pools and water treatment facilities. Once it enters the body, chlorine becomes extremely corrosive and toxic, requiring immediate medical attention.
Often used in the production of pesticides, refrigerants, and cleaning and disinfecting products, chlorine is easily detectable by its pungent odor. Most cases of poisoning occur when chlorine powder mixes with chlorine, resulting in the release of chlorine gas. Even when used in low concentrations, chlorine can have a devastating effect on people if used, stored, or handled improperly.
Chlorine's ability to form hydrochloric and hydrochloric acid when it reacts with moisture is what makes it so dangerous. Exposure to chlorine can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or through contact with the skin or mucous membranes. The route and duration of exposure play a critical role in diagnosis and treatment.
When inhaled, chlorine can cause swelling of the throat and promote fluid buildup in the lungs, also known as pulmonary edema, which causes shortness of breath. Chlorine that is ingested will not only burn the throat and esophagus, but will also cause severe abdominal pain and vomiting. Vision loss can occur if chlorine, in any pure form, gets into the eyes. If chlorine enters the bloodstream through an opening in the skin, it can severely affect acid levels, known as pH, and damage internal organs. In other exposure cases, when chlorine is internalized, blood pressure can plummet and an individual's circulatory system will be compromised and at risk of collapse.
In crisis situations, time is critical, so medical attention should be sought immediately upon confirmation of chlorine poisoning. An individual experiencing chlorine poisoning will become symptomatic within minutes of exposure. The severity of symptoms depends on several factors, including how the chlorine was introduced into the body, the amount and concentration, and the duration of exposure. Before seeking medical treatment, each of the factors listed above should be determined, as well as weight, age, and when the exposure occurred.
During an initial medical exam, a health care provider documents and monitors the individual's blood pressure, breathing, temperature, and pulse. The diagnosis of chlorine poisoning is based primarily on a clinical examination and not on laboratory tests. In cases of ingestion exposure, a camera is inserted down the throat into the esophagus and stomach, a process known as endoscopy, to determine the severity of the damage. When inhalation exposure occurs, a bronchoscopy, a small camera inserted into the trachea, is used to establish the extent of burns sustained to an individual's airways and lungs.
Treatment is determined by the route, severity, and duration of exposure to chlorine. Treatment options for chlorine poisoning initially include the introduction of fluids to flush the system, if ingested; irrigation, washing of exposed skin; and the administration of oxygen to help with breathing. Critical cases of chlorine poisoning may require hospitalization for additional medical care.