The very young, the very old, and people with health problems are at an increased risk from the health effects of chlorine exposure. Because chlorine is heavier than air, it can push the air in a room up over itself as it moves. This can lead to suffocation in poorly ventilated, enclosed, or low-lying areas. Long-term effects are usually found with people who have repeated exposures to chlorine. These repeated chlorine exposures can irritate the lungs and lead to cough, mucus production, or shortness of breath which can last for months or, in some cases, years.
Cigarette smoking can worsen the effects of either chronic or acute chlorine exposure.
No matter how long you have smoked, quitting now will decrease the risk of developing health problems. Before working with chlorine, you should be trained in its proper handling and storage and know how to use proper personal protective equipment. Chlorine should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in tightly sealed containers protected from exposure to weather, extreme temperature changes, and physical damage. The containers should be stored separately from flammable gases, vapors, and combustible substances such as gasoline, petroleum products, alcohol-based products, ammonia, sulfur, hydrocarbons, and acetylene. Chlorine itself is not combustible, but contact with these other substances can lead to a fire or explosion.