Chlorine poisoning: symptoms and first aid

Chlorine is a yellowish-green gas, which has a characteristic sharp odor. It is worth noting and the fact that this substance is very toxic, especially for the human body. Nevertheless, chlorine is widely used for water purification, disinfection of premises, removal of stains from tissue. That is why poisoning with chlorine is by no means a rarity.

Chlorine poisoning: causes.

In most cases, chlorine enters the human body together with drinking water, as well as through inhaled air. Poisoning with chlorine in the basin is also quite common.

Poisoning with chlorine: symptoms.

Chlorine poisoning can be mild, moderate and severe. The first signs of mild degree - this is a strong burning sensation in the throat and nose, intense discharge 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 a general intoxication of the organism. A strong cough and discharge from the nose begins.

When chlorine gets on the skin, redness is observed. With prolonged contact, the development of dermatitis, which slowly turns into eczema, is possible.

With the penetration of chlorine into the human digestive system (we are talking about household chemicals), there is severe nausea, sharp pains in the abdomen, vomiting with blood impurities.

With moderate poisoning, a person has sharp attacks of dry cough, a brief stop of breathing, a burning sensation in the larynx, and a headache. Chlorine also affects the nervous system of the patient - it becomes overly excited, or, conversely, all reactions are greatly slowed down.

With severe form of intoxication, almost instantaneous respiration of the patient occurs. The person loses consciousness, and when the opportunity to breathe resumes, the breathing becomes superficial. The patient does not have enough air, he tries to leave the room, to rip off his clothes. At the same time, the muscles are greatly weakened, and the person loses the ability to move. Lung edema develops and most often such cases result in death.

Poisoning with chlorine: first aid and treatment.

The first thing you need to do is take the person to fresh air. Unfortunately, this does not stop the attacks of suffocation. If the symptoms of poisoning are severe, you should immediately call an ambulance.

Necessarily it is necessary to wash out a mouth, a nose and eyes a two-percentage solution of drinking soda. If chlorine has got on the skin, then you need to rinse it. It is also recommended to drip the eyes with vegetable oil (preferably olive oil). If the mucous membrane of the eyes is severely affected, then the doctor can prescribe special ointments that will prevent the penetration of the infection and the development of inflammatory processes.

Typically, symptoms of mild to moderate poisoning occur 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. Emphysema of the lungs, pneumosclerosis, activation of tuberculosis, pulmonary heart failure are also possible.

The same diseases can develop with chronic poisoning, which is observed in people permanently staying in conditions of low chlorine content in the air.

Prevention of poisoning.

If you are constantly working at 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 reach of children. Going to the pool, do not forget to use a rubber cap and special glasses.

If your drinking water is cleaned with chlorine, you should always use a water filter. An effective means for neutralizing this substance is activated carbon.