Chlorine 

Chlorine (Cl )2 

CAS 7782-50-5; UN 1017 

Synonyms include molecular chlorine. 

• Persons exposed only to chlorine gas pose little risk of secondary contamination to 

others. However, clothing or skin soaked with industrial-strength chlorine bleach or 

similar solutions may be corrosive to rescuers and may release harmful chlorine gas. 

• Chlorine is a yellow-green, noncombustible gas with a pungent, irritating odor. It is a 

strong oxidizing agent and can react explosively or form explosive compounds with 

many common substances. Chlorine is heavier than air and may collect in low-lying 

areas. 

• Chlorine gas is highly corrosive when it contacts moist tissues such as the eyes, skin, 

and upper respiratory tract. Significant dermal absorption or ingestion is unlikely. 

Description	 At room temperature, chlorine is a yellow-green gas with a 

pungent irritating odor. Under increased pressure or at 

temperatures below -30 EF, it is a clear, amber-colored liquid. It 

is generally shipped in steel cylinders as a compressed liquid. 

Chlorine is only slightly soluble in water, but on contact with 

moisture it forms hypochlorous acid (HClO) and hydrochloric 

acid (HCl); the unstable HClO readily decomposes, forming 

oxygen free radicals. Because of these reactions, water 

substantially enhances chlorine’s oxidizing and corrosive effects. 

Routes of Exposure 

Inhalation	 Most exposures to chlorine occur by inhalation. Chlorine’s odor 

or irritant properties are discernible by most individuals at 

0.32 ppm which is less than the OSHA permissible exposure 

limit (PEL) of 1 ppm. Chlorine’s odor or irritant properties 

generally provide adequate warning of hazardous concentrations. 

However, prolonged, low-level exposures, such as those that 

occur in the workplace, can lead to olfactory fatigue and 

tolerance of chlorine’s irritant effects. Chlorine is heavier than air 

and may cause asphyxiation in poorly ventilated, enclosed, or 

low-lying areas. 

Children are at increased risk for exposure to inhaled toxicants 

because they have a greater lung surface area:body weight ratio 

and an increased minute volume:weight ratio. Children may be 

more vulnerable to corrosive agents than adults because of the 

smaller diameter of their airways. Children also may be at 

ATSDR • General Information 1 
 

Chlorine 

Skin/Eye Contact 

Ingestion 

Sources/Uses 

Standards and 

Guidelines 

Physical Properties 

increased risk because of their short stature, when higher 

concentrations of the chemical are found at low-lying areas. 

Direct contact with liquid chlorine or concentrated vapor causes 

severe chemical burns, leading to cell death and ulceration. 

Ingestion is unlikely to occur because chlorine is a gas at room 

temperature. Solutions that are able to generate chlorine (e.g., 

sodium hypochlorite solutions) may cause corrosive injury if 

ingested. 

Chlorine is produced commercially by electrolysis of sodium 

chloride brine. It is among the ten highest volume chemicals 

manufactured in the United States, with 1998 production in 

excess of 14 million tons. 

Chlorine’s most important use is as a bleach in the manufacture 

of paper and cloth. Chlorine is also used widely as a chemical 

reagent in the synthesis and manufacture of metallic chlorides, 

chlorinated solvents, pesticides, polymers, synthetic rubbers, and 

refrigerants. 

Sodium hypochlorite, which is a component of commercial 

bleaches, cleaning solutions, and disinfectants for drinking water 

and waste water purification systems and swimming pools, 

releases chlorine gas when it comes in contact with acids. 

OSHA ceiling = 1 ppm 

NIOSH IDLH (immediately dangerous to life or health) = 

10 ppm 

AIHA ERPG-2 (maximum airborne concentration below which 

it is believed that nearly all persons could be exposed for up to 

1 hour without experiencing or developing irreversible or other 

serious health effects or symptoms that could impair their 

abilities to take protective action) = 3 ppm. 

Description: Yellow-green gas at room temperature 

Warning properties: odor and irritation are generally adequate, 

but olfactory fatigue can occur; pungent odor at about 0.31 ppm 

Molecular weight: 70.9 daltons
 

Boiling point: (760 mm Hg) = -29 EF (-34 EC)
 

2 General Information • ATSDR 
 

Chlorine 

Freezing point: -150 EF (-101 EC)
 

Specific gravity: 1.56 at boiling point (water = 1)
 

Vapor pressure: 5,168 mm Hg at 68 EF (20 C)
 

Gas density: 2.5 (air = 1)
 

Water solubility: (0.7% at 68 EF) (20 EC)
 

Flammability: Not flammable, but reacts explosively or forms
 

explosive compounds with many common substances
 

Incompatibilities	 Chlorine reacts explosively or forms explosive compounds with 

many common substances such as acetylene, ether, turpentine, 

ammonia, fuel gas, hydrogen, and finely divided metals. 

ATSDR • General Information 3 
 

Chlorine 

4 General Information • ATSDR 
 

Chlorine 

Health Effects 

• Chlorine gas is irritating and corrosive to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. 

• Exposure to chlorine may cause burning of the eyes, nose, and throat; cough as well 

as constriction and edema of the airway and lungs can occur. 

Acute Exposure	 The toxic effects of chlorine are primarily due to its corrosive 

properties. The action of chlorine is due to its strong oxidizing 

capability, in which chlorine splits hydrogen from water in moist 

tissue, causing the release of nascent oxygen and hydrogen 

chloride which produce major tissue damage. Alternatively, 

chlorine may be converted to hypochlorous acid which can 

penetrate cells and react with cytoplasmic proteins to form Nchloro derivatives that destroy cell structure. Symptoms may be 

apparent immediately or delayed for a few hours. 

Respiratory	 Chlorine is water soluble and therefore, primarily removed by the 

upper airways. Exposure to low concentrations of chlorine (1 to 

10 ppm) may cause eye and nasal irritation, sore throat, and 

coughing. Inhalation of higher concentrations of chlorine gas 

(>15 ppm) can rapidly lead to respiratory distress with airway 

constriction and accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary 

edema). Patients may have immediate onset of rapid breathing, 

blue discoloration of the skin, wheezing, rales or hemoptysis. In 

symptomatic patients, pulmonary injury may progress over 

several hours. Lung collapse may occur. The lowest lethal 

concentration for a 30-minute exposure has been estimated as 

430 ppm. Exposure to chlorine can lead to reactive airways 

dysfunction syndrome (RADS), a chemical irritant-induced type 

of asthma. 

Children may be more vulnerable to corrosive agents than adults 

because of the smaller diameter of their airways. Children may 

also be more vulnerable to gas exposure because of increased 

minute ventilation per kg and failure to evacuate an area 

promptly when exposed. 

Cardiovascular	 Tachycardia and initial hypertension followed by hypotension 

may occur. After severe exposure, cardiovascular collapse may 

occur from lack of oxygen. 

ATSDR • Health Effects 5 
 

Chlorine 

Metabolic Acidosis may result from insufficient oxygenation of tissues. An 

unusual complication of massive chlorine inhalation is an excess 

of chloride ions in the blood, causing an acid-base imbalance. 

Because of their higher metabolic rates, children may be more 

vulnerable to toxicants interfering with basic metabolism. 

Dermal Chlorine irritates the skin and can cause burning pain, 

inflammation, and blisters. Exposure to liquefied chlorine can 

result in frostbite injury. 

Ocular Low concentrations in air can cause burning discomfort, 

spasmodic blinking or involuntary closing of the eyelids, redness, 

conjunctivitis, and tearing. Corneal burns may occur at high 

concentrations. 

Potential Sequelae After acute exposure, pulmonary function usually returns toward 

baseline within 7 to 14 days. Although complete recovery 

generally occurs, symptoms and prolonged pulmonary 

impairment may persist. Exposure to chlorine can lead to 

reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS), a chemical 

irritant-induced type of asthma. 

Chronic Exposure Chronic exposure to chlorine, usually in the workplace, may 

cause corrosion of the teeth. Multiple exposures to chlorine have 

produced flu-like symptoms and a high risk of developing 

reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS). 

Carcinogenicity 

Reproductive and 

Developmental Effects 

Chlorine has not been classified for carcinogenic effects. 

However, the association of cigarette smoking and chlorine 

fumes may increase the risk of cancer. 

No information is available regarding reproductive or 

developmental effects of chlorine in experimental animals or 

humans. Chlorine gas has been used as a chemical warfare agent, 

but no retrospective reproductive studies of survivors have been 

published. Chlorine is not included in Reproductive and 

Developmental Toxicants, a 1991 report published by the U.S. 

General Accounting Office (GAO) that lists 30 chemicals of 

concern because of widely acknowledged reproductive and 

developmental consequences. 

6 Health Effects • ATSDR 
 

Chlorine 

Prehospital Management 

• Rescue personnel are at low risk of secondary contamination from victims who have 

been exposed only to chlorine gas. However, clothing or skin soaked with industrialstrength bleach or similar solutions may be corrosive to rescuers and may release 

harmful chlorine gas. 

• Acute exposure to chlorine gas initially causes coughing, eye and nose irritation, 

lacrimation, and a burning sensation in the chest. Airway constriction and 

noncardiogenic pulmonary edema may occur. Chlorine irritates the skin and can 

cause burning pain, inflammation, and blisters. Exposure to liquefied chlorine can 

result in frostbite. 

• There is no specific antidote for chlorine poisoning. Treatment is supportive. 

Hot Zone Rescuers should be trained and appropriately attired before 

entering the Hot Zone. If the proper equipment is not available, 

or if rescuers have not been trained in its use, assistance should 

be obtained from a local or regional HAZMAT team or other 

properly equipped response organization. 

Rescuer Protection Chlorine is a severe respiratory-tract and skin irritant. 

Respiratory Protection: Positive-pressure, self-contained 

breathing apparatus (SCBA) is recommended in response 

situations that involve exposure to potentially unsafe levels of 

chlorine. 

Skin Protection: Chemical-protective clothing should be worn 

because chlorine gas can condense on the skin and cause 

irritation and burns. 

ABC Reminders Quickly access for a patent airway, ensure adequate respiration 

and pulse. If trauma is suspected, maintain cervical 

immobilization manually and apply a cervical collar and a 

backboard when feasible. 

Victim Removal If victims can walk, lead them out of the Hot Zone to the 

Decontamination Zone. Victims who are unable to walk may be 

removed on backboards or gurneys; if these are not available, 

carefully carry or drag victims to safety. 

Consider appropriate management of chemically contaminated 

children, such as measures to reduce separation anxiety if a child 

is separated from a parent or other adult. 

ATSDR • Prehospital Management 7 
 

 

Chlorine 

Decontamination Zone 

Rescuer Protection 

ABC Reminders 

Basic Decontamination 

Transfer to Support Zone 

Victims exposed only to chlorine gas who have no skin or eye 

irritation do not need decontamination. They may be transferred 

immediately to the Support Zone. All others require 

decontamination as described below. 

If exposure levels are determined to be safe, decontamination 

may be conducted by personnel wearing a lower level of 

protection than that worn in the Hot Zone (described above). 

Quickly access for a patent airway, ensure adequate respiration 

and pulse. Stabilize the cervical spine with a collar and a 

backboard if trauma is suspected. Administer supplemental 

oxygen as required. Assist ventilation with a bag-valve-mask 

device if necessary. 

Victims who are able and cooperative may assist with their own 

decontamination. Remove and double-bag contaminated clothing 

and personal belongings. 

Handle frostbitten skin and eyes with caution. Place frostbitten 

skin in warm water, about 108 EF (42 EC). If warm water is not 

available wrap the affected part gently in blankets. Let the 

circulation reestablish itself naturally. Encourage the victim to 

exercise the affected part while it is being warmed. 

Flush exposed skin and hair with plain water for 3 to 5 minutes, 

then wash twice with mild soap. Rinse thoroughly with water. 

Do not irrigate eyes that have sustained frostbite injury. 

Otherwise, irrigate exposed or irritated eyes with plain water or 

saline for 15 minutes. Eye irrigation may be carried out 

simultaneously with other basic care and transport. Remove 

contact lenses if it can be done without additional trauma to the 

eye. If a corrosive material is suspected or if pain or injury is 

evident, continue irrigation while transferring the victim to the 

support zone. 

Consider appropriate management of chemically contaminated 

children, such as measures to reduce separation anxiety if a child 

is separated from a parent or other adult. If possible, seek 

assistance from a child separation expert. 

As soon as basic decontamination is complete, move the victim 

to the Support Zone. 

8 Prehospital Management • ATSDR 
 

Chlorine 

Support Zone 

ABC Reminders 

Additional Decontamination 

Advanced Treatment 

Be certain that victims have been decontaminated properly (see 

Decontamination Zone above). Victims who have undergone 

decontamination or have been exposed only to chlorine gas pose 

no serious risks of secondary contamination to rescuers. In such 

cases, Support Zone personnel require no specialized protective 

gear. 

Quickly access for a patent airway. If trauma is suspected, 

maintain cervical immobilization manually and apply a cervical 

collar and a backboard when feasible. Ensure adequate 

respiration and pulse. Administer supplemental oxygen as 

required and establish intravenous access if necessary. Place on 

a cardiac monitor. Watch for signs of airway swelling and 

obstruction such as progressive hoarseness, stridor, or cyanosis. 

Continue irrigating exposed skin and eyes, as appropriate. 

In cases of respiratory compromise secure airway and respiration 

via endotracheal intubation. Avoid blind nasotracheal intubation 

or use of an esophageal obturator. Use direct visualization to 

intubate. When the patient’s condition precludes endotracheal 

intubation, perform cricothyroidectomy if equipped and trained 

to do so. 

Treat patients who have bronchospasm with aerosolized 

bronchodilators. The use of bronchial sensitizing agents in 

situations of multiple chemical exposures may pose additional 

risks. Consider the health of the myocardium before choosing 

which type of bronchodilator should be administered. Cardiac 

sensitizing agents may be appropriate; however, the use of 

cardiac sensitizing agents after exposure to certain chemicals 

may pose enhanced risk of cardiac arrhythmias (especially in the 

elderly). Chlorine poisoning is not known to pose additional risk 

during the use of bronchial or cardiac sensitizing agents. 

Consider racemic epinephrine aerosol for children who develop 

stridor. Dose 0.25–0.7 5 m of 2.25% racemic epinephrine 

solution in 2.5 cc water, repeat every 20 minutes as needed 

cautioning for myocardial variability. 

Patients who are comatose, hypotensive, or having seizures or 

who have cardiac arrhythmias should be treated according to 

advanced life support (ALS) protocols. 

If frostbite is present, treat by rewarming in a water bath at a 

temperature of 102 to 108 EF (40 to 42 EC) for 20 to 30 minutes 

and continue until a flush has returned to the affected area. 

ATSDR • Prehospital Management 9 
 

Chlorine 

Transport to Medical Facility	 Only decontaminated patients or those not requiring 

decontamination should be transported to a medical facility. 

“Body bags” are not recommended. 

Report to the base station and the receiving medical facility the 

condition of the patient, treatment given, and estimated time of 

arrival at the medical facility. 

Multi-Casualty Triage	 Consult with the base station physician or the regional poison 

control center for advice regarding triage of multiple victims. 

Patients with evidence of significant exposure (e.g., severe or 

persistent cough, dyspnea or chemical burns) should be 

transported to a medical facility for evaluation. Patients who 

have minor or transient irritation of the eyes or throat may be 

discharged from the scene after their names, addresses, and 

telephone numbers are recorded. They should be advised to seek 

medical care promptly if symptoms develop or recur (see Patient 

Information Sheet below). 

10 Prehospital Management • ATSDR 
 

Chlorine 

Emergency Department Management 

• Hospital personnel are at minimal risk of secondary contamination from patients 

who have been exposed only to chlorine gas. However, clothing or skin soaked with 

industrial-strength bleach or similar solutions may be corrosive to personnel and 

may release harmful chlorine gas. 

• Acute exposure to chlorine gas initially causes coughing, eye and nose irritation, 

lacrimation, and a burning sensation in the chest. Airway constriction, 

noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, hemoptysis, and bronchopneumonia may occur. 

• Chlorine irritates the skin and can cause burning pain, inflammation, and blisters. 

Exposure to liquefied chlorine can result in frostbite. 

• There is no specific antidote for chlorine poisoning. Treatment requires supportive 

care. 

Decontamination Area	 Previously decontaminated patients and patients exposed only to 

chlorine gas who have no skin or eye irritation may be 

transferred immediately to the Critical Care Area. All others 

require decontamination as described below. 

ABC Reminders	 Evaluate and support airway, breathing, and circulation. Children 

may be more vulnerable to corrosive agents than adults because 

of the smaller diameter of their airways. In cases of respiratory 

compromise secure airway and respiration via endotracheal 

intubation. If not possible, surgically secure an airway. 

Treat patients who have bronchospasm with aerosolized 

bronchodilators. The use of bronchial sensitizing agents in 

situations of multiple chemical exposures may pose additional 

risks. Consider the health of the myocardium before choosing 

which type of bronchodilator should be administered. Cardiac 

sensitizing agents may be appropriate; however, the use of 

cardiac sensitizing agents after exposure to certain chemicals 

may pose enhanced risk of cardiac arrhythmias (especially in the 

elderly). Chlorine poisoning is not known to pose additional risk 

during the use of bronchial or cardiac sensitizing agents. 

Consider racemic epinephrine aerosol for children who develop 

stridor. Dose 0.25–0.75 mL of 2.25% racemic epinephrine 

solution in 2.5 cc water, repeat every 20 minutes as needed 

cautioning for myocardial variability. 

ATSDR • Emergency Department Management 11 
 

Chlorine 

Basic Decontamination 

Critical Care Area 

ABC Reminders 

Inhalation Exposure 

Patients who are comatose, hypotensive, or having seizures or 

cardiac arrhythmias should be treated in the conventional 

manner. 

Patients who are able and cooperative may assist with their own 

decontamination. Remove and double bag contaminated clothing 

and personal belongings. 

Handle frostbitten skin and eyes with caution. Place frostbitten 

skin in warm water, about 108 EF (42 EC). If warm water is not 

available, wrap the affected part gently in blankets. Let the 

circulation reestablish itself naturally. Encourage the victim to 

exercise the affected part while it is being warmed. 

Flush exposed skin and hair with plain water for 2 to 3 minutes 

(preferably under a shower), then wash twice with mild soap. 

Rinse thoroughly with water. Use caution to avoid hypothermia 

when decontaminating children or the elderly. Use blankets or 

warmers when appropriate. 

Do not irrigate frostbitten eyes. Otherwise, begin irrigation of 

exposed eyes. Remove contact lenses if it can be done without 

additional trauma to the eye. Continue irrigation while 

transporting the patient to the Critical Care Area. 

Be certain that appropriate decontamination has been carried out 

(see Decontamination Area above). 

Evaluate and support airway, breathing, and circulation as in 

ABC Reminders above. Establish intravenous access in seriously 

ill patients if this has not been done previously. Continuously 

monitor cardiac rhythm. 

Patients who are comatose, hypotensive, or having seizures or 

cardiac arrhythmias should be treated in the conventional 

manner. 

Administer supplemental oxygen by mask to patients who have 

respiratory symptoms. Treat patients who have bronchospasm 

with aerosolized bronchodilators. The use of bronchial 

sensitizing agents in situations of multiple chemical exposures 

may pose additional risks. Consider the health of the 

myocardium before choosing which type of bronchodilator 

should be administered. Cardiac sensitizing agents may be 

appropriate; however, the use of cardiac sensitizing agents after 

exposure to certain chemicals may pose enhanced risk of cardiac 

arrhythmias (especially in the elderly). Chlorine poisoning is not 

12 Emergency Department Management • ATSDR 
 

Chlorine 

known to pose additional risk during the use of bronchial or 

cardiac sensitizing agents. 

Children may be more vulnerable to corrosive agents than adults 

because of their smaller airways. 

Consider racemic epinephrine aerosol for children who develop 

stridor. Dose 0.25–0.75 mL of 2.25% racemic epinephrine 

solution in 2.5 cc water, repeat every 20 minutes as needed 

cautioning for myocardial variability. 

Skin Exposure If concentrated chlorine gas or chlorine-generating solutions 

contact the skin, chemical burns may occur; treat as thermal 

burns. If the liquefied compressed gas is released and contacts 

the skin, frostbite may result. If a victim has frostbite, treat by 

rewarming affected areas in a water bath at a temperature of 102 

to 108 EF (40 to 42 EC) for 20 to 30 minutes and continue until 

a flush has returned to the affected area. 

Because of their larger surface area:body weight ratio children 

are more vulnerable to toxicants absorbed through the skin. 

Eye Exposure 

Antidotes and 

Chlorine-exposed eyes should be irrigated for at least 

15 minutes. Test visual acuity and examine the eyes for corneal 

damage and treat appropriately. Immediately consult an 

ophthalmologist for patients who have corneal injuries. 

Other Treatments There is no specific antidote for chlorine. Treatment is 

supportive. 

Laboratory Tests 

Disposition and 

Follow-up 

The diagnosis of acute chlorine toxicity is primarily clinical, 

based on respiratory difficulties and irritation. However, 

laboratory testing is useful for monitoring the patient and 

evaluating complications. Routine laboratory studies for all 

exposed patients include CBC, glucose, and electrolyte 

determinations. Patients who have respiratory complaints may 

require pulse oximetry (or ABG measurements) and chest 

radiography. Massive inhalation may be complicated by 

hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis; in addition to electrolytes, 

monitor blood pH. 

Consider hospitalizing patients who have a suspected significant 

exposure or have eye burns or serious skin burns. 

Delayed Effects Symptomatic patients complaining of persistent shortness of 

breath, severe cough, or chest tightness should be admitted to 

ATSDR • Emergency Department Management 13 
 

Chlorine 

the hospital and observed until symptom-free. Pulmonary injury 

may progress for several hours. 

Patient Release	 Asymptomatic patients and those who experienced only minor 

sensations of burning of the nose, throat, eyes, and respiratory 

tract (with perhaps a slight cough) may be released. In most 

cases, these patients will be free of symptoms in an hour or less. 

They should be advised to seek medical care promptly if 

symptoms develop or recur (see the Chlorine—Patient 

Information Sheet below). 

Follow-up	 Obtain the name of the patient’s primary care physician so that 

the hospital can send a copy of the ED visit to the patient’s 

doctor. 

Follow up is recommended for all hospitalized patients because 

long-term respiratory problems can result. Respiratory 

monitoring is recommended until the patient is symptom-free. 

Chlorine-induced reactive airways dysfunction syndrome 

(RADS) has been reported to persist from 2 to 12 years. 

Patients who have skin or corneal injury should be re-examined 

within 24 hours. 

Reporting	 If a work-related incident has occurred, you may be legally 

required to file a report; contact your state or local health 

department. 

Other persons may still be at risk in the setting where this 

incident occurred. If the incident occurred in the workplace, 

discussing it with company personnel may prevent future 

incidents. If a public health risk exists, notify your state or local 

health department or other responsible public agency. When 

appropriate, inform patients that they may request an evaluation 

of their workplace from OSHA or NIOSH. See Appendices III 

and IV for a list of agencies that may be of assistance. 

14 Emergency Department Management • ATSDR 
 

Chlorine 

Chlorine
 

Patient Information Sheet
 

This handout provides information and follow-up instructions for persons who have been exposed to 

chlorine. 

What is chlorine? 

Chlorine is a yellowish-green gas with a sharp, burning odor. It is used widely in chemical 

manufacturing, bleaching, drinking-water and swimming-pool disinfecting, and in cleaning agents. 

Household chlorine bleach contains only a small amount of chlorine but it can release chlorine gas if 

mixed with other cleaning agents. 

What immediate health effects can be caused by exposure to chlorine? 

Even small exposures to the gas may cause immediate burning of the eyes, nose, and throat, and 

shortness of breath, as well as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and tearing of the eyes. 

However, once exposure is stopped, symptoms usually clear up quickly. Breathing large amounts of 

chlorine may cause the lining of the throat and lungs to swell, making breathing difficult. Generally, the 

more serious the exposure, the more severe the symptoms. 

Can chlorine poisoning be treated? 

There is no antidote for chlorine, but its effects can be treated and most exposed persons get well. 

Persons who have experienced serious symptoms may need to be hospitalized. 

Are any future health effects likely to occur? 

A single small exposure from which a person recovers quickly is not likely to cause delayed or longterm effects. After a serious exposure, symptoms may worsen for several hours. 

What tests can be done if a person has been exposed to chlorine? 

Specific tests for the presence of chlorine in blood or urine generally are not useful to the doctor. If a 

severe exposure has occurred, blood and urine analyses and other tests may show whether the lungs, 

heart, or brain has been injured. Testing is not needed in every case. 

Where can more information about chlorine be found? 

More information about chlorine can be obtained from your regional poison control center, your state, 

county, or local health department; the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR); 

your doctor; or a clinic in your area that specializes in occupational and environmental health. If the 

exposure happened at work, you may wish to discuss it with your employer, the Occupational Safety 

and Health Administration (OSHA), or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 

(NIOSH). Ask the person who gave you this form for help in locating these telephone numbers. 

ATSDR • Patient Information Sheet 15 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chlorine 

Follow-up Instructions 

Keep this page and take it with you to your next appointment. Follow only the instructions checked below. 

[ ] Call your doctor or the Emergency Department if you develop any unusual signs or symptoms within the 

next 24 hours, especially: 

•	 coughing or wheezing 

•	 difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain 

•	 increased pain or a discharge from injured eyes 

•	 increased redness or pain or a pus-like discharge in the area of a skin burn 

[ ] No follow-up appointment is necessary unless you develop any of the symptoms listed above. 

[ ] Call for an appointment with Dr. in the practice of . 

When you call for your appointment, please say that you were treated in the Emergency Department at 

Hospital by and were advised to be 

seen again in days. 

[ ] Return to the Emergency Department/ Clinic on (date) 

at AM/PM for a follow-up examination. 

[ ] Do not perform vigorous physical activities for 1 to 2 days. 

[ ] You may resume everyday activities including driving and operating machinery. 

[ ] Do not return to work for days. 

[ ] You may return to work on a limited basis. See instructions below. 

[ ] Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke for 72 hours; smoke may worsen the condition of your lungs. 

[ ] Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours; alcohol may worsen injury to your 

stomach or have other effects. 

[ ] Avoid taking the following medications: 

[ ] You may continue taking the following medication(s) that your doctor(s) prescribed for you: 

[ ] Other instructions: 

•	 Provide the Emergency Department with the name and the number of your primary care physician so that 

the ED can send him or her a record of your emergency department visit. 

• You or your physician can get more information on the chemical by contacting: 

or , or by checking out the following Internet Web 

sites: ; . 

Signature of patient Date 

Signature of physician Date 

16 Patient Information Sheet • ATSDR