What are the hazards of chlorine to the human body

Chlorine is a gas that is seriously harmful to the human body. It can generally irritate our eyes, nose and respiratory system. If we come into contact with such objects in our lives, we must be careful and try to avoid them. In addition, we must observe the situation after contact, especially if there is an abnormal reaction, we must go to the hospital for timely examination and treatment. Let’s take a look at the hazards of chlorine to the human body.

Chlorine is a strong irritant gas. It mainly acts on the bronchi and bronchioles, and can also act on the alveoli, causing bronchospasm, bronchitis and peribronchitis. Inhalation of large amounts can cause toxic pulmonary edema.

When chlorine is inhaled into the respiratory tract and comes into contact with the mucous membrane, in addition to the element, it also forms hypochlorous acid, hydrogen chloride, etc. In the past, it was believed that the damaging effects of chlorine were caused by hydrogen chloride and nascent oxygen. Recent studies have pointed out that under the conditions of pH 7.4 and 37°C, no new ecological oxygen is generated. The most likely reason is the action of hydrogen chloride and hypochlorous acid, especially the latter which has more obvious biological activity. It can penetrate the capillary membrane, destroy its integrity and permeability, and thus cause tissue inflammatory edema, congestion, and even necrosis. Due to the increased permeability of alveolar wall capillaries, the air-blood and air-fluid barriers of the alveolar wall are destroyed, and a large amount of serous fluid infiltrates into the pulmonary interstitium and alveoli, forming pulmonary edema.

Through the above introduction, we know the harm of chlorine to the human body. There are many objects that are harmful to our body in normal times. We must pay attention to avoid contact or take protective measures. When abnormal conditions occur, we must go to the hospital for examination or treatment in time.