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Chlorine gas
From WikEM
Contents
Background
- Classified as a pulmonary chemical agent, chemical weapon
- Most common exposure is secondary to mixing household cleaners
Mechanism of Toxicity
- Direct caustic / corrosive effect upon contact with moist tissue
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
- Incendiary agents
- Cyanide chemical weapon agents
- Nerve Agents
- Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
- Includes household and commercial pesticides (diazinon and parathion)
- G-series (sarin, tabun, soman) and V-series (VX)
- V-series high viscosity with oily consistency
Evaluation
- Based on clinical history
- Specific levels are not available
Management
- Individuals with gas exposure may not need decontamination, if skin symptoms absent
