Potential Effects of Chlorine Exposure

Chlorine may seem like a benign chemical since it is readily used in household cleaning and laundry products. It works highly effectively at cleaning bacteria from pools and keeping water clear for drinking. However, chlorine poisoning can occur when significant exposure occurs, leading to numerous potentially negative health effects.

The following are some potential effects of chlorine poisoning in those with significant exposure to a high-parts-per-million chemical. At The Doan Law Firm, we provide free consultations to victims of chlorine exposure.

Immediate Symptoms of Chlorine Poisoning

A person exposed to high levels of chlorine may rapidly develop chlorine poisoning. These symptoms can develop at different times and impact various areas of the body. Some of the most common include digestive symptoms when chlorine ingestion occurs, such as:

• Swelling of the throat
• Burning in the mouth
• Pain in the throat that is worse than a typical sore throat
• Stomach pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blood in stools

Chlorine poisoning can also damage the cardiovascular system, including altering blood pH and lowering blood pressure. This can happen with any level of ingestion.

Other symptoms of chlorine poisoning that may impact other areas of the body include:

• Irritation and tissue breakdown of the skin
• Burning and irritation to the eyes, often resulting in blurry vision or, in some cases, vision loss
• Headaches and dizziness
• Changes in cognitive function

Chlorine poisoning can cause these injuries immediately. The chlorine itself reacts with moisture in the body, forming a corrosive acid.

High Level Chlorine Exposure Effects

A person with high levels of chlorine exposure, such as at concentrations of 15 ppm or higher, may experience rapid medical emergencies and require immediate care. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes the following risks:

• Respiratory distress, including wheezing, inability to breathe, and shortness of breath
• Pulmonary edema, which develops within 30 minutes to up to 40 hours, resulting in fluid building in the lungs to dangerous levels
• Chemical burns causing pain, blistering, and deep tissue decay and damage
• Gastrointestinal trauma including damage to the stomach tissues and esophagus

Some people may experience these symptoms at lower levels of concentration. Treat all exposure as an emergency.

Long-Term Effects of Chlorine Exposure

A person may experience significant negative effects even with low levels of exposure over time. Some of the most common long-term and even chronic effects of chlorine can include:

• Permanent lung damage, including scarring of the lung tissue, reducing pulmonary function
• Chronic respiratory illness, including reactive airways dysfunction syndrome, chronic bronchitis, and development or worsening of asthma
• Skin-related damage, including intense dermatitis, breakdown of the outer layer of tissue, and skin aging.

In each of these situations, there is the need for medical care. Keep in mind that long-term effects like these can occur with a single high-exposure incident or may occur with low levels of repeated exposure. Chlorine at any level can be dangerous to some people.

Seeking Legal Action After Exposure

Household accidents due to cleaner misuse, industrial incidents, and pool chemistry problems are some of the most common causes of chlorine poisoning. If you believe someone else is responsible for your injuries and losses, contact a toxic chemical exposure attorney who will investigate your case and develop a plan to seek fair compensation as allowed under the law. Call The Doan Law Firm for a free consultation.