Chlorine gas
Background
Liquid Pool Chlorine
- Classified as a pulmonary chemical agent, chemical weapon
- Most common exposure is secondary to mixing household cleaners
Mechanism of Toxicity
- Direct caustic / corrosive effect upon contact with moist tissue
Clinical Features
- Smells of a swimming pool or bleach
- Irritation of conjunctivae, nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and bronchi
- Rare ocular injury as tears protect mucous membranes from direct damage
Differential Diagnosis
Chemical weapons
- Blister chemical agents (Vesicants)
- Lewisite (L)
- Sulfur mustard (H)
- Phosgene oxime (CX)
- Pulmonary chemical agents (Choking agents)
- Incendiary agents
- Cyanide chemical weapon agents (Blood agents)
- Prussic acid (AKA hydrogen cyanide, hydrocyanic acid, or formonitrile)
- Nerve Agents (organophosphates)
- Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
- Household and commercial pesticides (diazinon and parathion)
- G-series (sarin, tabun, soman)
- V-series (VX)
- Lacrimating or riot-control agents
- Pepper spray
- Chloroacetophenone
- CS
Evaluation
- Based on clinical history
- Specific levels are not available
Management
- Individuals with gas exposure may not need decontamination, if skin symptoms absent
Disposition
See Also
External Links
References
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