Chlorine is a yellowish-green gas that has a characteristic pungent odor. It is worth noting the fact that this substance is very toxic, especially for the human body. However, chlorine is widely used to purify water, disinfect rooms, and remove stains from tissue. That is why chlorine poisoning is by no means a rarity.
Chlorine poisoning: causes.
In most cases, chlorine enters the human body along with drinking water, as well as through inhaled air. Chlorine poisoning in the pool is also a fairly common occurrence.
Chlorine poisoning: symptoms.
Chlorine poisoning can be mild, moderate and severe. The first signs of a mild degree are a strong burning sensation in the throat and nose, intense secretion of tears, irritation of the mucous membranes. As a result of the interaction of chlorine compounds and the mucous membrane, the formation of hydrochloric acid begins, which in turn causes general intoxication of the body. A strong cough and nasal discharge begin.
When chlorine enters the skin, redness is observed. With prolonged contact, the development of dermatitis is possible, which slowly turns into eczema.
With the penetration of chlorine into the digestive system of a person (we are talking about household chemicals), severe nausea, sharp abdominal pain, vomiting with impurities of the blood are observed.
In case of moderate poisoning, a person has sharp bouts of dry cough, short-term respiratory arrest, severe burning in the larynx, headache. Chlorine also affects the patient’s nervous system - he becomes overly excited, or, conversely, all reactions are greatly slowed down.
In severe forms of intoxication, almost instantly the patient stops breathing. A person loses consciousness, and when the ability to breathe resumes, then breathing becomes superficial. The patient does not have enough air, he tries to leave the room, to tear off his clothes. At the same time, the muscles are greatly weakened, and the person loses the ability to move. Pulmonary edema develops and most often such cases result in death.
Chlorine poisoning: first aid and treatment.
The first thing to do is to take a person to fresh air. Unfortunately, this does not stop asthma attacks. If the symptoms of poisoning are strong, then you must immediately call an ambulance.
Be sure to rinse your mouth, nose and eyes with a two percent solution of baking soda. If chlorine gets on your skin, you need to rinse it too. It is also recommended to instill eyes with vegetable oil (preferably olive). If the mucous membrane of the eyes is severely affected, then the doctor can prescribe special ointments that will prevent the penetration of infection and the development of inflammatory processes.
As a rule, mild poisoning symptoms disappear after 1–5 days. In more severe cases, hospitalization of the patient and inpatient treatment are required.
Possible complications after poisoning.
The most common consequences of chlorine poisoning include chronic laryngitis, pharyngitis. Sometimes tracheitis, bronchitis and pneumonia are also observed. Pulmonary emphysema, pneumosclerosis, tuberculosis activation, pulmonary heart disease are also possible.
The same diseases can develop in chronic poisoning, which occurs in people who are constantly in conditions of low chlorine levels in the air.
Prevention of poisoning.
If you are constantly working with high levels of chlorine in the air, then do not forget to wear a mask. Using household chemicals, you must always wear gloves on your hands. All cleaning products containing chlorine and other chemically aggressive components must be stored out of the reach of children. Going to the pool, do not forget to use a rubber cap and special glasses.
If your drinking water is purified using chlorine, you should definitely use a water filter. An effective tool to neutralize this substance is activated carbon.