In our daily lives, many people are exposed to chlorine, whether it is bleach used in household use or used as a cleaning additive in swimming pools. Chlorine has a wide range of uses, such as as a preservative, bleaching paper and fabrics, and purifying drinking water. Although chlorine is very useful, this common chemical is also very dangerous. Due to its widespread use in U.S. industry, chlorine is often released in accidents and spills. As a pharmaceutical scientist, I work to explore the effects of chemicals on the human body. Currently, I am looking to deal with the harm caused by chlorine exposure and understand the dangers of chlorine to humans. One of the studies we are conducting is to develop tiny particles that can breathe to help repair lung damage caused by chlorine leaks.
A common and dangerous chemical.
Chlorine is a very harmful chemical and is widely used. In the United States, it is one of the top five chemicals, with an annual production of 12 million tons. The hazards of this yellow-green gas are closely related to its reactivity, and when it is combined with a large number of other chemicals, the reaction can become very intense. When chlorine reacts with common items such as hydrogen, turpentine, and ammonia, it can occur or produce a substance.
Even short exposure to chlorine can have adverse effects on the eyes, throat and nose. You may feel sick, cough, have trouble breathing, and even your eyes may burn. If the exposure is high, it can cause chest pain, severe breathing problems, pneumonia, vomiting, and fluid buildup in the lungs. In extreme cases, it can even lead to death. In addition, because chlorine gas can also enter the body through **, causing pain, swelling, inflammation and blisters. According to our research, inhaling chlorine can cause inflammation and overreaction of the airways. This means that the passages that supply oxygen to the lungs and carbon dioxide to the lungs become swollen and narrow, making it difficult to breathe. This is a typical symptom of asthma.
Large-scale global releases.
The dangers of chlorine made it one of the first chemical ** to be used on a large scale in warfare. In World War I, the German team used it against the French and Canadian armies. Recent reports have revealed that Syria has repeatedly used chlorine** in its civil war. In Iraq, in 2007, insurgents dropped chlorine bombs on U.S. forces near Baghdad, and later the Islamic State apparently used chlorine in Iraqi bases. Recent accidents have shown that if chlorine leaks or is not handled properly, the situation can easily become worse, putting lives at extreme risk. For example, five spa workers in Brooklyn were admitted to the hospital because chlorine gas was released when two cleaning chemicals were mixed together.
At the Dow chemical plant near Plaquemin, Louisiana, a compressor fire caused a chlorine leak. Liquid chlorine is quickly converted into a gas and diffuses to nearby residential areas. The incident resulted in at least 23 people eventually being taken to hospital. When chlorine gas is transported on a large scale, accidents can become very serious, causing widespread injuries and even death. For example, in 2005 there was a freight train derailment in Granitville, South Carolina. A tanker truck filled with chlorine gas occurred**, releasing 60 tons of chlorine gas. As a result, nine people died, 72 were hospitalized, and 525 people were left to undergo**.
Protect people from chlorine leaks.
A rather tragic incident occurred in the Jordanian port of Aqaba. A crane made a mistake and threw a container full of 25 tons of chlorine onto a docked vessel. The container ruptured, releasing a cloud of toxic gases. Unfortunately, 13 people were killed and more than 260 injured. Although we have known about the dangers of chlorine for more than a century, there is still no way to do it. The problem is that chlorine is a powerful oxidizing agent that can wreak havoc on body tissues.
When it comes to working with chlorine, people need to be properly equipped. This means complying with federal** regulations for the use of respiratory equipment. Most importantly, wear rubber gloves, aprons, or other protective clothing, and wear goggles or masks. Make sure there are showers and eyewash pools around in case you need them. You can detect the presence of chlorine by a strong, pungent smell, just like a very strong detergent. Watch carefully for yellow-green gas and any irritation of the eyes and throat. If you think you have been exposed to chlorine, it is recommended that you leave the area, remove all your clothing, and take a shower if possible.
If you experience symptoms of exposure to chlorine, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Doctors treat your nose and throat milder than regular oxygen by giving you moist oxygen. They may also use inhaled-epinephrine medications, which are commonly used for asthma to reduce lung spasms and open the airways. Scientists are working on other drugs aimed at reducing lung damage and prompting the lungs to recover after exposure to chlorine. They are exploring inhalable** methods to reduce lung damage, as well as oral or injectable medications to relieve lung inflammation.
Chlorine is a good disinfectant, but it only works if used correctly. Just like any other item in your home, it's important to understand the risks involved. Before going on a dive, check the label and return the chlorine to its original container and store it in a safe place. When you are done using it, please dispose of the chlorine properly to ensure safety first!
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