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Chlorine vapor poisoning
Last reviewed: 07.06.2024
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Many people associate the smell of bleach with cleanliness and sterility. Of course this substance can be destructive to germs, but it is also dangerous to human health.
Chlorine is a heavy gas with an acrid odor. Intoxication with its vapors has a devastating effect on living organisms and causes serious consequences. Chlorine (bleach) is used in the form of liquid, powder or tablets for disinfection of premises, bleaching of fabrics, disinfection of various substances and liquids.
Chlorinated substances have an aggressive effect on the skin, so the risk of vapor poisoning increases if safety measures during cleaning are neglected. Severe cases of intoxication are also associated with improper storage of the substance.
Intoxication with the liquid form is more dangerous compared to the gas and solid forms. If the body is affected by a highly concentrated solution, then already in 30-40 minutes without emergency medical care there is a lethal outcome. If you take the solid form of chlorine, intoxication will proceed more slowly, but with a standard set of signs.
Symptoms of the chlorine poisoning
Symptoms of chlorine poisoning:
- Irritation of mucous membranes.
- A scratchy throat, burning nose, cough.
- Increased salivation.
- Progressive headache.
- Nausea and bad taste in the mouth.
- Shortness of breath.
- Seizures.
- Tearfulness.
If chlorine gets on bare skin, it causes redness of the skin, irritation, itching and painful sensations, development of dermatitis.
The above symptoms may vary depending on the degree of damage to the body (mild, moderate, lightning, severe). In most cases, the symptomatology is progressive.
Treatment of the chlorine poisoning
Help for chlorine vapor poisoning should be quick and clear. The first thing to do is to call for help. Before the arrival of medical personnel, the victim should be taken out of the affected area and remove all contaminated clothing. It is better to place the patient in fresh air or provide its supply. Places that have been in contact with the substance are washed with warm water. If it is suspected that chlorine was taken internally, then it is necessary to flush the stomach and induce vomiting. It is also necessary to rinse the mucous membranes and eyes, as they are strongly affected by chlorine. It is recommended to use a weak soda solution for rinsing.
Further assistance to the victim is provided by medical personnel. There is no special antidote to chlorine, so when hospitalized, the patient is placed in the intensive care or toxicology department for symptomatic relief.