Description

Chlorine – Cl₂

Introduction of chlorine (Cl₂)

Chlorine is a chemical element belonging to the halogen family. As an element, it is a yellow-green diatomic gas (Cl₂) 2.5 times denser than air (under normal temperature and pressure conditions), it has a pungent and overpowering smell, it is found abundantly in nature in the form of chlorides, notably sodium chlorides (it is then combined with inorganic elements such as metals). As it is not a gas present on Earth in its pure form, chlorine must be produced using oxidation, by way of electrolysis of an aqueous solution of sodium chloride. It can also be produced in a laboratory by heating a mixture of a hydrochloric acid solution and manganese dioxide.

Professional use of chlorine (CL₂)

Many professional sectors use chlorine for their professional applications.

• Swimming pool water treatment
• Production of bleach, antiseptic products, disinfectants, insecticides and medicines
• Whitening agent in the paper industry
• Production of table salt (sodium chloride)
• Production of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), ethylene dichloride and chlorinated solvents, chlorinated fluorocarbons and propylene oxides.

Risks of chlorine

Chlorine is a chemical element with significant oxidating power which can be very toxic to humans (depending on the level of exposure and the health of the person exposed).

Effects on the human body

• In its gaseous state, significant damage (fatal from 1000 ppm when breathed for around 1 minute) to the entire respiratory system (asthma, irritation of the nose, throat, cough, breathing difficulties, pulmonary edema, chemical bronchitis-pneumonia)
• Skin diseases, notably affecting moist areas (armpits, mucous membranes, eyes, groin, etc) and skin burns in liquid form
• Increase in the risk of developing Acute Respiratory Syndrome in case of multiple exposures