Chlorine, Liquefied Gas

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW Corrosive! Toxic! May be fatal if inhaled. Causes severe skin and eye burns. Gas is extremely irritating to eyes and respiratory tract. See "Other Health Effects" Section. Strong, offensive odor. Strong oxidizer. Contact with other combustible material can cause fire. Liquefied compressed gas. Contents under pressure. Ruptured containers may rocket.

Potential health effects

Page 2 of 9 Inhalation Corrosive! Toxic! Product may cause severe irritation of the nose, throat and respiratory tract. Repeated and/or prolonged exposures may cause productive cough, running nose, bronchopneumonia, pulmonary edema (fluid build-up in lungs), and reduction of pulmonary function. Chlorine reacts with water or humidity to produce Hydrochloric Acid and Hypochlorous Acid. (3,4) Toxic effects may be delayed. See

Other Health Effects

Section Skin Contact Corrosive! Chlorine vapours may cause burning and prickling sensations, reddening and blisters. Direct contact with liquid causes severe local irritation, blistering and burns. Avoid handling when the skin is moist, wet or abraded. Chlorine reacts with water or humidity to produce Hydrochloric Acid and Hypochlorous Acid. (3,4) Burns (chemical) can occur if not promptly removed. Skin Absorption May be absorbed through intact skin. Skin absorption is a secondary concern to the continual destruction of tissue while the product is in contact with the skin. Eye Contact Extremely corrosive! This product causes corneal scarring and clouding. Glaucoma, cataracts and permanent blindness may occur. Chlorine reacts with water or humidity to produce Hydrochloric Acid and Hypochlorous Acid. (3,4) Ingestion Corrosive! Product is a gas. Ingestion is not a likely route of exposure. Corrosive effects on the skin and eyes may be delayed, and damage may occur without the sensation or onset of pain. Strict adherence to first aid measures following any exposure is essential. May cause frostbite, olfactory fatigue, tooth erosion, cardiovascular effects, shock, central nervous system (CNS) depression, asphyxia and cyanosis. Olfactory fatigue is a term used to describe a condition characterized by the temporary loss of odour perception. CNS depression is characterized by headache, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting and incoordination. Severe overexposures may lead to coma and possible death due to respiratory failure. Cyanosis is characterized by navy blue, almost black lips, tongue, and mucous membranes, with skin colour being slate gray. Further manifestation is characterized by headache, weakness, dyspnea, dizziness, stupor, respiratory distress and death due to anoxia. Asphyxia is characterized by increased breathing volume, accelerated pulse rate, muscular incoordination, faulty judgement, emotional instability, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, bewilderment, gasping respiration and unconsciousness. Chlorine: Inhalation exposure can result in primary irritation of the respiratory tract, gradual loss of pulmonary function and asthma-like attacks in suseptible individuals. Acute exposure is characterized by the irritation of the respiratory tract causing runny nose, sore throat, coughing, chest discomfort, shortness of breath and reduced lung function. Overexposure may lead to bronchitis, bronchial spasm and pulmonary oedema. Chronic exposure may lead to asthmatic attack in certain individuals, with the following symptoms: chest tightness, wheezing, cough and shortness of breath. (3)