Chlorine gas

Background

Liquid Pool Chlorine

• Classified as a pulmonary chemical agent, chemical weapon
• Most common exposure is secondary to mixing household cleaners

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)
  • Ammonia toxicity
  • Methyl isocyanate
  • Methyl bromide
  • Hydrochloric acid
  • Chlorine gas
  • Phosgene
• Incendiary agents
  • Agent orange
  • White phosphorus
• 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

Management

• Individuals with gas exposure may not need decontamination, if skin symptoms absent

See Also

• Pulmonary chemical agents