Chemical Descriptions

Exposure Limits, First Aid and Chronic Human Health Effects

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Chlorine gas as well as hydrolyzed derivatives of VOCl3 are respiratory irritants. Inhaling the gas in high concentration causes coughing, tears, a running nose and breathing difficulties. These symptoms result from chlorine combining with moisture in the lungs to form a weak acid. All symptoms are reversible if the person is removed from the gas area, kept comfortable, warm and at rest, and is given proper medical attention. Complete recovery is normal.

If a person is trapped for a long period in a high-chlorine-concentration atmosphere, death can result. For that reason the first and most important step during a chlorine emergency is to leave the contaminated area. Fortunately, chlorine is not a “sneaky” gas. Its distinctive odor – that of household bleach – is detected easily at very low concentrations. For example, the concentration over a laundry tub is around one part chlorine per million parts of air; most people can smell it very readily at that level. Chlorine concentrations above five parts per million are irritating to the nose, throat and eyes. No one would voluntarily remain in an area where concentrations are severely irritating or dangerous.

In concentrations around the odor threshold, chlorine causes mild eye and respiratory-tract irritation after several hours. As concentration and duration increase, so do the symptoms. The affected individual may become apprehensive and restless with coughing accompanied by throat irritation, sneezing and excess salivation. The very young, elderly and people with other health problems are most susceptible to chlorine’s effects.

Effects of various levels of chlorine inhalation (depending on the physiological makeup of the person involved) are as follows:

• Less than one part per million (ppm): Threshold of odor perception for the average person.
• Three to five ppm: Slight irritation of the nose and upper respiratory tract.
• Five to eight ppm: Irritation of the respiratory tract and eyes.
• Fifteen to 20 ppm: Immediate severe irritation of the respiratory tract, intense cough and choking.
• Thirty ppm: Shortness of breath, chest pain, possibly nausea and vomiting.
• Forty to 60 ppm: Development of chemical bronchitis and fluid in the lungs, which may occur after several hours; chemical pneumonia may occur several days later.
• Prolonged exposure above 50 ppm: Unconsciousness and death.