BioLab Fire: What you should know about chlorine

Article

On September 29, 2024, large clouds of smoke rise from the BioLab in Conyers. (Source: Toney Mosley, Jr.)

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – Chlorine is a powerful chemical that can irritate the lungs and cause serious health problems if inhaled.

Chlorine is a yellow-green gas with a pungent, burning smell. It is commonly used in the production of chemicals, bleach, disinfectant water and cleaning products. Because large amounts of chlorine are produced and transported in the United States, it is considered a potential chemical threat due to its toxicity. Chlorine has been involved in both accidental and intentional releases, making it dangerous if inhaled in large quantities. It was even used as a chemical weapon during the First World War.

RELATED: BioLab Fire: Chlorine in the cloud, I-20 will reopen Monday morning

Over the years, there have been a number of accidental chlorine leaks from factories, transportation or homes. Most people exposed to small amounts of chlorine usually recover completely without long-term health problems.

When chlorine gas is inhaled, it reacts with moisture in the respiratory tract to produce acids that irritate and damage the nose, throat, and lungs.

Symptoms of chlorine exposure include:

• Eye irritation: Burning, redness, tearing and swelling.
• Breathing problems: Sore throat, cough and difficulty breathing.
• Skin irritation: Burning sensation, redness, swelling and blisters.
• Lung damage: Fluid buildup in the lungs, known as pulmonary edema.

Exposure to chlorine is particularly dangerous for people with asthma or other lung diseases. The severity of symptoms depends on how much chlorine a person is exposed to and for how long. Mild symptoms may disappear after a few hours, but more severe symptoms may last for days.

Children are at higher risk because their lungs and airways are smaller, making them more susceptible to harmful chemicals.

There is no specific treatment for chlorine poisoning. The focus of care is on relieving symptoms and making it easier for the person to breathe. According to the CDC, short exposure to chlorine typically does not cause long-term health problems, but heavy exposure could cause permanent respiratory problems in some people.

When to call a doctor

See a doctor if you experience:

• Persistent coughing or wheezing
• Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain
• Increased pain or discharge from your eyes
• More redness, pain, or pus in the area of ​​skin burns

More information

If you have any questions, contact your local health department or:

Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Agency
Division of Toxicology and Human Health Sciences
Phone: 1-800-CDC-INFO
Website: CDC INFO