A study reported no adverse effects on growth, lifespan, or fertility in rats exposed to 100 ppm chlorine in their drinking water for their entire lifespan, over seven generations. No information is available on the carcinogenic effects of chlorine in humans from inhalation exposure, and chlorine has not been found to be carcinogenic in oral animal studies. EPA has not classified chlorine for carcinogenicity. The main source of information for this fact sheet is EPA's Drinking Water Criteria Document for Chlorine, Hypochlorous Acid and Hypochlorite Ion. In addition, persons breathing air around these industries may be exposed to chlorine.
Accidental releases are another potential source of chlorine exposure.
No data were located regarding detection of personal exposure to chlorine. Chlorine is extremely irritating to the skin and can cause severe burns. Other studies have indicated that exposure to chlorine, via inhalation, may alter disease resistance in animals, with higher incidences of emphysema, pneumonia, and tuberculosis reported. No adverse effects on growth, lifespan, or fertility were reported in rats exposed to 100 ppm chlorine in their drinking water for their entire lifespan, over seven generations. No information is available on the carcinogenic effects of chlorine in humans from inhalation exposure.