Presentation
Laryngeal oedema: Early intubation if hoarseness or stridor is present, preferably with anaesthetic and ENT consultation. In some cases a gas induction / awake fiberoptic maybe required or emergent tracheostomy. [litfl.com]
Remove contact lenses (if present) prior to irrigation. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Clinical signs including hypoxemia, wheezes, rales, and abnormal chest radiographs may be present. [aoemj.biomedcentral.com]
If you get it in your eyes, flush them with running water for at least 15 minutes — take out contact lenses first if present. Remove any clothes that were on the areas of the body exposed to chlorine. [healthline.com]
Smoking might act in conjunction with irritant gas to cause an inflammatory reaction in the small airways and reduce ventilatory function. 13 Some limitations of the present study should be noted. [oem.bmj.com]
Entire Body System
- Pain
Eyes: watering of the eyes, pain and burning sensation in the eyes, redness, burns, loss of vision. [burn-injury-resource-center.com]
Digestive system symptoms include burning in the mouth, swelling of the throat, throat pain, stomach pain, vomiting, and blood in the stool. Chlorine exposure may also damage the circulatory system, or cause low blood pressure. [munley.com]
Stomach pain Vomiting Bloody stool Minimize exposure to chlorine to limit tissue damage. [analyticaltechnology.com]
Within minutes she began experiencing chest pains that made her fear she was having a heart attack. ‘The pain got worse and worse,’ she said. ‘I’ve had a collapsed lung before, and it felt a bit like that.’ [metro.co.uk]
[…] in the throat Severe pain or burning in the nose, eyes, ears, lips, or tongue Gastrointestinal Blood in the stool Burns of the food pipe (esophagus) Severe abdominal pain Vomiting Vomiting blood Heart and blood vessels Collapse Low blood pressure that [sites.magellanhealth.com]
- Fatigue
We ask about general symptoms (anxious mood, depressed mood, fatigue, pain, and stress) regardless of condition. Last updated: January 14, 2020 [patientslikeme.com]
[…] children, Davis advised parents to watch out for the following symptoms that could develop within a few hours or up to 72 hours after swimming: The first signs of trouble usually include: Upset stomach and vomiting Persistent cough Trouble breathing Fatigue [consumer.healthday.com]
Nervous System damage/fatigue - Toxic chemicals can cause damage to the nervous system and brain. Chlorine is a toxic chemical, and in this case, a neurotoxin. “Neurotoxicity is a cause of brain damage. [simplefoodremedies.blogspot.com]
Patients who were closer to the accident spot more frequently complained of symptoms such as shortness of breath, sore throat, eye pain, itching, dizziness, anxiety, general weakness, and fatigue. [aoemj.biomedcentral.com]
Respiratoric
- Throat Irritation
Your lungs will generally crackle and you will begin sneezing and have nose and throat irritation. Flats evacuated after pair accidentally create toxic chemicals in Redland bathroom What not to mix... [bristolpost.co.uk]
There will generally be sneezing, nose irritation, burning sensations, and throat irritations. There may also be skin irritations or chemical burns and eye irritation or conjunctivitis. [en.wikipedia.org]
Following chlorine exposure, the most common symptoms are: Airway irritation Wheezing Difficulty breathing Sore throat Cough Chest tightness Eye irritation Skin irritation The severity of health effects depend upon the route of exposure, the dose and [health.ny.gov]
Manifestations are as follows: Eye tearing, nose and throat irritation Sneezing Excess salivation General excitement or restlessness High-level (20%, >30 ppm) acute exposure In addition to the symptoms seen with low-level exposure, high-level exposure [emedicine.medscape.com]
A total of 116 people, aged 4–65, were referred to the emergency department of different hospitals in Rome, most often complaining of eye and throat irritation, cough, shortness of breath, and anxiety. [oem.bmj.com]
- Respiratory Distress
The parents who were not swimming but observing also experienced chlorine poisoning in the form of irritated eyes and respiratory distress. [tripadvisor.com]
Following chemical pneumonitis respiratory distress and chest pain generally subsides within 72 hours; cough may persist for up to 14 days, however in one case reduced airway flow and mild hyopoxemia persisted for 14 months. [inchem.org]
Nerve agents These cause the production of watery secretions as well as respiratory distress. Other characteristic effects, such as muscle twitching and miosis, help distinguish them from chlorine. [patient.info]
Severe respiratory distress indicates the need for endotracheal intubation. Because of the risk of laryngospasm, several back-up modalities should be available at the time of intubation (ie, fiberoptic laryngoscope, cricothyrotomy tray). [emedicine.medscape.com]
More severely affected individuals may develop acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome [ 2 ],[ 3 ]. Accidental leakage of chlorine occurred on March 5, 2013, at 8:58 a.m., in a factory handling chlorine in Gumi-si, South Korea. [aoemj.biomedcentral.com]
- Dyspnea
Upon exposure to chlorine gas, he experienced dyspnea and presented to the emergency department. [aoemj.biomedcentral.com]
She had severe resting dyspnea during the second hour, diffuse crackles/rhonchi on auscultation, and a partial pressure of oxygen of 32 mm Hg breathing room air. The radiograph shows diffuse pulmonary edema without significant cardiomegaly. [emedicine.medscape.com]
- Rhinorrhea
[…] following: Tachypnea Cyanosis (most prevalent during exertion) Tachycardia Wheezing Intercostal retractions Decreased breath sounds Rales (pulmonary edema) Nasal flaring Aphonia, stridor, or laryngeal edema Ulceration or hemorrhage of the respiratory tract Rhinorrhea [emedicine.medscape.com]
- Labored Breathing
Respiratory Symptoms Internal respiratory symptoms include: Asthma-like shortness of breath Labored breathing Lung fluid build-up Coughing and wheezing Severe injury and scarring to the tissues can result. [analyticaltechnology.com]
Gastrointestinal
- Nausea
[…] can cause blurred vision; burning pain, redness and blisters on the skin; a burning sensation in the nose, throat and eyes; coughing; chest tightness; difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; fluid in the lungs that may be delayed for a few hours; nausea [eu.usatoday.com]
Skin injuries similar to frostbite can occur if it is exposed to liquid chlorine Burning sensation in the nose, throat and eyes Coughing Chest tightness Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath Fluid in the lungs that may be delayed for a few hours Nausea [thebump.com]
Gastrointestinal: nausea and vomiting, severe abdominal pain, burns to the food pipe, vomiting blood or blood in the stool. Nervous system: headache, dizziness, decrease consciousness level, coma. Kidney: it may lead to kidney damage. [burn-injury-resource-center.com]
"Chlorine poisoning is real and it's serious" According to the CDC, the symptoms of chlorine exposure include blurred vision, burning sensation in the nose, throat, and eyes, coughing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath and nausea [moms.com]
"Chlorine poisoning is real and its serious" According to the Centers for Disease Control, they include coughing, chest tightness, nausea and burning sensations in your throat, nose or eyes. [newschannel5.com]
- Abdominal Pain
Gastrointestinal: nausea and vomiting, severe abdominal pain, burns to the food pipe, vomiting blood or blood in the stool. Nervous system: headache, dizziness, decrease consciousness level, coma. Kidney: it may lead to kidney damage. [burn-injury-resource-center.com]
These symptoms may include : breathing difficulties coughing and wheezing chest tightness blurry vision and watery eyes abdominal pain pain or burning in the nose, mouth, or eyes nausea and vomiting blood in vomit or stools rapid changes in blood pressure [medicalnewstoday.com]
[…] in the throat Severe pain or burning in the nose, eyes, ears, lips, or tongue Gastrointestinal Blood in the stool Burns of the food pipe (esophagus) Severe abdominal pain Vomiting Vomiting blood Heart and blood vessels Collapse Low blood pressure that [sites.magellanhealth.com]
[…] in the throat Severe pain or burning in the nose, eyes, ears, lips, or tongue GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM Blood in the stool Burns of the food pipe (esophagus) Severe abdominal pain Vomiting Vomiting blood HEART AND BLOOD VESSELS Collapse Low blood pressure [medlineplus.gov]
Skin
- Flushing
Provoked by a stubborn stain unresponsive to soap, she had emptied into the tub about a half gallon of undiluted Clorox (an aqueous solution of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite) and thereupon added most of a can of Sani-Flush, a dry powder for cleaning toilets [jamanetwork.com]
If liquid chlorine soaks clothing or splashes onto skin, then take clothes off right away and wash with large amounts of water to flush away the chemical. If eyes are splashed with liquid or large amounts of gas, then flush the eyes with water. [vdh.virginia.gov]
Recovery potential was excellent (score ¼ 729 of a possible 729) and can be attributed to nearby sources of organisms for colonisation, the mobility of dominant organisms, unimpaired habitat, rapid flushing and processing of chlorine, and location within [fs.usda.gov]
If the symptoms are on the skin or in the eyes, flush a lot of water on the affected area for 10 - 15 minutes. If the person has inhaled the poisonous gas, move him / her to a fresh air environment, immediately. [safetyhow.com]
If you get it in your eyes, flush them with running water for at least 15 minutes — take out contact lenses first if present. Remove any clothes that were on the areas of the body exposed to chlorine. [healthline.com]
- Blister
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exposure to dangerous levels of the chemical can cause blurred vision; burning pain, redness and blisters on the skin; a burning sensation in the nose, throat and eyes; coughing; chest tightness; difficulty [eu.usatoday.com]
"Chlorine poisoning is real and it’s serious" The CDC says these are the signs to look for during or after exposure to dangerous concentrations of chlorine: Blurred vision Burning pain, redness and blisters on the skin if exposed to gas. [thebump.com]
breathing difficulties coughing and wheezing chest tightness blurry vision and watery eyes abdominal pain pain or burning in the nose, mouth, or eyes nausea and vomiting blood in vomit or stools rapid changes in blood pressure skin irritation and blisters [medicalnewstoday.com]
The following signs and symptoms may develop during or immediately after exposure to chlorine: Blurred vision Blisters on the skin Burning sensation in the nose, throat, mouth and eyes Chest pain Coughing Fluid in the lungs Frostbite Headache and dizziness [tn.gov]
Vesicants These blistering agents, such as mustard gas, usually produce a delayed respiratory toxicity of the central airways. [patient.info]
Eyes
- Blurred Vision
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exposure to dangerous levels of the chemical can cause blurred vision; burning pain, redness and blisters on the skin; a burning sensation in the nose, throat and eyes; coughing; chest tightness; difficulty [eu.usatoday.com]
"Chlorine poisoning is real and it’s serious" The CDC says these are the signs to look for during or after exposure to dangerous concentrations of chlorine: Blurred vision Burning pain, redness and blisters on the skin if exposed to gas. [thebump.com]
"Chlorine poisoning is real and it's serious" According to the CDC, the symptoms of chlorine exposure include blurred vision, burning sensation in the nose, throat, and eyes, coughing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath and nausea [moms.com]
For burning eyes or blurred vision, rinse the eyes thoroughly with clean water and remove any contact lenses. If a person has swallowed chlorine, do not drink any fluids or attempt to force the chlorine out by vomiting. [medicalnewstoday.com]
If your eyes are burning or your vision is blurred, flush your eyes with plain water. If you ingested chlorine, do not induce vomiting or drink fluids. Seek medical attention right away. Call 911 or the Tennessee Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. [tn.gov]
- Burning Eyes
A Magen David Adom team arrived at the pool at about 11:00 A.M. after being notified of children complaining of burning eyes, difficulty in breathing, dizziness, and headaches. One child had briefly fainted after emerging from the water. [haaretz.com]
Painful burning. Eye-searing. Lung-scarring. These are the words that chlorine poisoning sufferers from a recent accident used to describe the event. Chlorine is an effective and safe germ-killer in the correct concentration. [analyticaltechnology.com]
For burning eyes or blurred vision, rinse the eyes thoroughly with clean water and remove any contact lenses. If a person has swallowed chlorine, do not drink any fluids or attempt to force the chlorine out by vomiting. [medicalnewstoday.com]
Chlorine smells like bleach, and the odor is often described as a sharp and burning. Even small amounts of the gas may cause immediate tearing of the eyes and burning of the eyes, nose, throat, and chest. [vdh.virginia.gov]
Psychiatrical
- Fear
Within minutes she began experiencing chest pains that made her fear she was having a heart attack. ‘The pain got worse and worse,’ she said. ‘I’ve had a collapsed lung before, and it felt a bit like that.’ [metro.co.uk]
Neurologic
- Irritability
Some common symptoms of chlorine gas poisoning include: Coughing Vomiting Dizziness Headaches Skin Irritation Eye irritation Loss of vision Difficulty breathing Lung tissue damage Chlorine gas exposure may result in a condition called reactive airways [munley.com]
Skin Irritation Skin is the most sensitive organ in the body and exposure to chlorine gas is easily evident on the skin. Skin irritation with burns and rashes are also some common signs. [safetyhow.com]
There will generally be sneezing, nose irritation, burning sensations, and throat irritations. There may also be skin irritations or chemical burns and eye irritation or conjunctivitis. [en.wikipedia.org]
Skin: when the skin comes in contact with chlorine it may lead to, irritation, pain, redness, burning sensation, frost bite, skin burns (see chemical burns part I, II ). [burn-injury-resource-center.com]
Inhaling the gas can cause irritation on the airways and lungs and severely affect breathing. Prolonged exposure to it can cause long-term damage to the airways. [bristolpost.co.uk]
- Burning Sensation
Eyes: watering of the eyes, pain and burning sensation in the eyes, redness, burns, loss of vision. [burn-injury-resource-center.com]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exposure to dangerous levels of the chemical can cause blurred vision; burning pain, redness and blisters on the skin; a burning sensation in the nose, throat and eyes; coughing; chest tightness; difficulty [eu.usatoday.com]
Skin injuries similar to frostbite can occur if it is exposed to liquid chlorine Burning sensation in the nose, throat and eyes Coughing Chest tightness Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath Fluid in the lungs that may be delayed for a few hours [thebump.com]
"Chlorine poisoning is real and it's serious" According to the CDC, the symptoms of chlorine exposure include blurred vision, burning sensation in the nose, throat, and eyes, coughing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath and nausea [moms.com]
"Chlorine poisoning is real and its serious" According to the Centers for Disease Control, they include coughing, chest tightness, nausea and burning sensations in your throat, nose or eyes. [newschannel5.com]
- Headache
A Magen David Adom team arrived at the pool at about 11:00 A.M. after being notified of children complaining of burning eyes, difficulty in breathing, dizziness, and headaches. One child had briefly fainted after emerging from the water. [haaretz.com]
Nervous system: headache, dizziness, decrease consciousness level, coma. Kidney: it may lead to kidney damage. Liver: it may lead to liver damage. [burn-injury-resource-center.com]
Fortunately she was left with little more than a headache and a sore throat, and was able to return home later the same day. Now Charley is warning other people not to mix cleaning products if they’re not 100% sure it’s safe to do so. [metro.co.uk]
Some common symptoms of chlorine gas poisoning include: Coughing Vomiting Dizziness Headaches Skin Irritation Eye irritation Loss of vision Difficulty breathing Lung tissue damage Chlorine gas exposure may result in a condition called reactive airways [munley.com]
The following signs and symptoms may develop during or immediately after exposure to chlorine: Blurred vision Blisters on the skin Burning sensation in the nose, throat, mouth and eyes Chest pain Coughing Fluid in the lungs Frostbite Headache and dizziness [tn.gov]
Workup
See Workup for more detail. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Treatment
According to the CDC, there is no antidote for chlorine exposure, and treatment involves supportive care such as inhaled breathing treatments. Difficulty breathing was among one of the initial symptoms reported at the scene. [eu.usatoday.com]
The outlook will depend on the amount and type of chlorine exposure, and how soon a person receives treatment. [medicalnewstoday.com]
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. [sites.magellanhealth.com]
Prognosis
The prognosis of Chlorine Poisoning is dependent on the amount of substance consumed, time between consumption and treatment, severity of the symptoms, as well as general health status of the patient If the individual can recover from the symptoms with [dovemed.com]
Early hypoxaemia has a poor prognosis. [patient.info]
[…] the effect of the poison Oxygen Surgical removal of burned skin (skin debridement) Tube through the mouth into the stomach to empty the stomach ( gastric lavage ) Washing of the skin (irrigation) -- perhaps every few hours for several days Outlook (Prognosis [sites.magellanhealth.com]
[…] reverse the effect of the poison Surgical removal of burned skin (skin debridement) Tube through the mouth into the stomach to empty the stomach ( gastric lavage ) Washing of the skin (irrigation) -- perhaps every few hours for several days Outlook (Prognosis [trihealth.adam.com]
Liquid chlorine may cause burns on contact. 9.1.5 Parenteral exposure 9.1.6 Other 9.2 Chronic poisoning 9.2.1 Ingestion 9.2.2 Inhalation 9.2.3 Skin exposure 9.2.4 Eye contact 9.2.5 Parenteral exposure 9.2.6 Other 9.3 Course, prognosis, cause of death [inchem.org]
Etiology
See Etiology. Chlorine gas has also been used repeatedly as a chemical weapon. [3] The respiratory and mucous membrane irritant effects of chlorine have been well known for many years. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Epidemiology
American Journal of Epidemiology, 123(4), 641-647. In September 1982, two Charlottesville, Virginia, residents were found by their dentists to have general erosion of dental enamel consistent with exposure to acid. [h2oblogged.wordpress.com]
Smoking or pre-existing lung conditions like asthma appear to increase the risk of long term complications. [1] Epidemiology [ edit ] In 2014, the American Association of Poison Control Centers reported that about 6,000 exposures to chlorine gas in the [en.wikipedia.org]
Epidemiology In the United States, chlorine is the most common inhalational irritant. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology [ 10 ] Chlorine gas is classed as a pulmonary agent or choking agent (others include phosgene, diphosgene and chloropicrin). [patient.info]
[6] The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has confirmed that since 2013, chlorine gas has been the agent used in numberous chemical attacks in Syria affecting thousands of civilians and resulting in hundreds of deaths. [3] Pathophysiology [emedicine.medscape.com]
However, the health effects of chlorine inhalation after swimming pool accidents have been documented in only few studies, and have concentrated on pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and types of treatment. 3 4 Early physiological and clinical pulmonary [oem.bmj.com]
Prevention
Treatment for chlorine poisoning aims to remove the substance from the person's body as quickly as possible and to prevent further harm. [medicalnewstoday.com]
Chlorine Poisoning Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC, (2014) Information for health Workers in West Africa Look inside: 4514 prev next [medbox.org]
Definition Chlorine is a chemical that prevents bacteria from growing. Chlorine poisoning occurs when someone swallows or breathes in (inhales) chlorine. [sites.magellanhealth.com]
You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. [medlineplus.gov]