

The acids are corrosive and damage cells in the body on contact.
#LIQUID CHLORINE NEAR ME SKIN#
When chlorine enters the body as a result of breathing, swallowing, or skin contact, it reacts with water to produce acids. Exposure may also result from skin contact or eye contact with chlorine gas or by swallowing chlorine-contaminated food or water.Ĭhlorine gas is heavier than air and will initially remain in low-lying areas unless wind or other conditions provide air movement. The most harmful route of exposure is from breathing chlorine gas. How can people be exposed to chlorine?īecause of its widespread use in industrial and commercial locations, exposure to chlorine could occur from an accidental spill or release, or from a deliberate terrorist attack. Chlorine is used in the preparation of chlorides, chlorinated solvents, pesticides, polymers, synthetic rubbers, and refrigerants. It is also used in cleaning products, including household bleach which is chlorine dissolved in water. During the production of paper and cloth, chlorine is used as a bleaching agent. It is used to disinfect water and is part of the sanitation process for sewage and industrial waste. How is chlorine used?Ĭhlorine has a variety of uses.

Chlorine does not catch fire easily, but may combine with other common substances to form explosive compounds. Usually, it is pressurized and cooled for storage and shipment as an amber-colored liquid. It has a yellow-green color, and a pungent, irritating odor similar to bleach. Chlorine is among the ten highest volume chemicals made in the United States. Chemical Terrorism Wall Chart (PDF, 97KB, 1pg.)Ĭhlorine is a chemical used in industry and in household cleaning products.Chemical Terrorism Preparedness and Response Card (PDF, 45KB, 7pg.).For information on preparedness and response (e.g., for first responders and emergency medical personnel), please refer to the following Department resources: Note to reader: This fact sheet is intended to provide general awareness and education on a specific chemical agent.
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The Facts About Chlorine General InformationĪ copy of the The Facts About Chlorine (General Information) is available in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF, 63 KB, 3pg.)
