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Chlorine (Cl2). Widely distributed elementSodium chloride in seawaterNatural depositsMost important use is bleachChemical reagent use Commercial use . Chlorine - Overview. Noncombustible, yellow-green gas with a pungent, irritating odor and strong oxidizing effectsSlightly soluble in waterCo
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1. Chlorine (Cl2)
2. Chlorine (Cl2) Widely distributed element
Sodium chloride in seawater
Natural deposits
Most important use is bleach
Chemical reagent use
Commercial use
3. Chlorine - Overview
4. Chlorine - Overview
5. Chlorine - Toxicity Major route of toxicity is inhalation
Solutions that generate chlorine can be highly corrosive to skin or GI tract
Strong oxidizing capability
Produce major tissue damage
6. Chlorine - Toxicity Hypochlorous acid
Penetrates cells and react with cytoplasmic proteins
Form N-chloro derivatives that destroy cell structure
Estimated lowest lethal concentration
30-minute exposure is 430 ppm -- 1000 ppm
Fatal within minutes
7. Chlorine - Toxicity Children may be more vulnerable than adults
8. Protective Equipment Variety of rubber and plastic materials resist chlorine
Wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination
Use air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment
Chlorine-resistant plastic sheeting and disposable bags useful in preventing spread of contamination
9. Detection Yellow-green color and distinctive odor
Variety of chlorine monitors and gas sensors are available commercially
10. Decontamination Victims should be removed from exposure area
Remove and double-bag contaminated clothing and personal belongings
11. Decontamination Eye exposure
Flush the eyes with lukewarm water for a minimum of 15 minutes
Skin exposure
Flush skin and hair with plain water for 5 minutes
Wash with soap and water for at least 15 minutes
Rinse thoroughly afterwards
12. Signs and Symptoms Diagnosis is a clinical one
May be apparent immediately or delayed for a few hours
General
Dizziness
Agitation
Anxiety
Nausea
Vomiting
13. Signs and Symptoms Eyes
Low concentrations
Burning discomfort
Tearing
Spasmodic blinking or involuntary closing of the eyelids
Redness
Conjunctivitis
High concentrations
Corneal burns
14. Signs and Symptoms Skin
Corrosive effects irritate the skin
Causing burning pain, inflammation, sweating and blisters
Exposure to liquefied chlorine can produce frostbite injury
15. Signs and Symptoms Respiratory System
Low concentrations (1 to 10 ppm): eye and nasal irritation, sore throat, a stinging chest pain and coughing
Higher concentrations (>15 ppm): rapid progression to respiratory distress with airway constriction and pulmonary edema
Injury can progress to lung collapse over several hours
Hospitalize and observe symptomatic patients
16. Signs and Symptoms Cardiovascular
Tachycardia and hypertension initially, followed by hypotension
After severe exposure, cardiovascular collapse may occur from lack of oxygen
Metabolic
A major inhalation exposure can produce a form of acid-base imbalance: hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis
17. Treatment Basic first aid for victim
Advanced life support (ALS) protocols
Patients who are comatose, hypotensive, having seizures or who have cardiac arrhythmias
There is no specific treatment and care is primarily supportive
18. Treatment Eyes
Irrigate eyes for at least 15 minutes, until pH returns to normal
Test visual acuity, check for corneal damage, and treat appropriately
Consult an ophthalmologist immediately for corneal injuries
19. Treatment Skin
Treat chemical burns as thermal burns
Frostbite injuries
Water bath at temperature of 102° to 108° F (40° to 42° C)
20 to 30 minutes or until a flush has returned to the affected area
20. Treatment Cardiopulmonary
Severe respiratory compromise
Secure the airway and maintain ventilation
Be aware of an increased risk for pneumonia
Bronchospasm: aerosolized bronchodilators
Children with stridor: aerosolized epinephrine
21. Treatment Laboratory
Routine studies: CBC, glucose, and electrolytes
Monitor pulse oximetry (or ABG measurements) and obtain a chest x-ray
If hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis is present, monitor the blood pH closely and treat with bicarbonate
22. Long-Term Medical Sequelae Pulmonary function usually normalizes within 7 to 14 days after acute exposure
Complete recovery generally occurs
Reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS)
Flu-like symptoms and prolonged pulmonary impairment
23. Long-Term Medical Sequelae Not been classified for carcinogenic effects
No information available on reproductive or developmental effects
24. Environmental Sequelae Chlorine causes environmental harm at low levels
High reactivity
Chlorine is not likely to move through the ground and enter groundwater
25. Summary High potential for terrorist use because it is readily and commercially available
Natural element that is extremely oxidizing and corrosive
Combines with water to form hypochlorous acid, hydrochloric acid and oxygen free radicals
All cause major tissue damage
26. Summary Estimated lowest lethal concentration for a 30-minute exposure is 430 ppm
Signs and symptoms
Mild eye and nasal irritation
Pulmonary edema and cardiopulmonary collapse
Decontamination and basic first aid are critical
Care is primarily supportive, using standard ALS protocols when indicated