Chlorine physiological effects

The Ebro catchment is the largest river basin in Spain. It covers an area of 85,362 km2 (http //www.chebro.es) and receives the potential influence of three million people. It suffers a considerable ecological impact from different industrial activities located predominantly in the last third of its course. These activities result on the release to the Ebro River and to some of its tributaries of Tm quantities of chlorinated organic compounds, PBDE and other brominated flame retardants, mercury, and other metals. In addition, intensive agricultural practices, mainly concentrated in the last 30 km of the river course and in its Delta, imply the use of large quantity of pesticides and fertilizers. In this paper, we review physiological effects of these pollutants in resident fish and shellfish populations and provide a general picture of the health status of the low course of the Ebro River. 

Kaufman J, Burkons D Clinical, roentgenological and physiological effects of acute chlorine exposure. Arch Environ Health 23 29-34, 1971... 

There have been several recent studies of the physiologic effects or chlorine. These have considered chlorine both as an occupational exposure and as an environmental pollutant (see references). The National Institute of Occupational Safely and Health study recommended ait 0.5 ppm concentration of chlorine in air for any 15-minute sampling period as (he maximum permissible ceiling value. This contrasts with the generally accepted value of I ppm TLV (lime weighted average for an eight hour exposure). 

Sometimes the long-term effects are quite unexpected and difficult to predict. For example, millions of kilograms of CF2C12, which is used as a propellant, have been released into the atmosphere from aerosol cans. This compound appears to be wholly free of direct adverse physiological effects. However, as the substance diffuses into the upper atmosphere, it is slowly decomposed by sunlight to produce chlorine atoms. Serious danger then is possible because chlorine atoms are known to catalyze the decomposition of ozone, and it is the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere that absorbs most of the sun s ultraviolet radiation that is strongly harmful to life. 

The hood serves to carry away unabsorbed chlorine and diethylthiocarbamyl chloride vapors. The fumes are irritating to the eyes, nose, and throat and may have other injurious physiological effects. 

Kaufman, J., and D.Burkons. 1971. Clinical, roentgenologic and physiologic effects of acute chlorine exposure. Arch. Environ. Health 23(l) 29-34. 

Concerning the physiological effects of chlorine upon the human l>ody, Gilchrist. says ... 

Haux C, Larsson A, Lidman U, Forlin L, Hansson T, Johansson-Sjobeck M-L (1982) Sublethal physiological effects of chlorinated paraffins on the flounder, Platichtys flesus L. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 6 49-59... 

In both its liquid and gaseous form, chlorine is neither flammable nor explosive. It currently is classified as a poison or toxic gas, class 2.3, which requires a subsidiary corrosive label. In Canada, it is classified as a corrosive gas, class 2.3. Its principal hazard arises from inhalation. The Chlorine Institute s Chlorine Manual describes chlorine s physiological effects, chemical characteristics, and physical properties. It also includes information on employee training for proper handling and protection when using chlorine [11]. Additional information on chlorine, including exposure limits, can be found in the monograph in Part II. 

For additional information concerning the physiological effects, exposure limits, safety and first aid measures see the monograph on chlorine in Part II. 

Instruction in the properties and physiological effects of chlorine. An MSDS for chlorine is available from chlorine suppliers. 

Chlorine produces no known systemic effects. All symptoms and signs result directly or indirectly from the local irritant action. Low concentrations of chlorine gas in the air may have a minor irritating effect or may produce slight symptoms after several hours exposure, but careful examination of persons repeatedly exposed to such conditions reportedly have shown no permanent physiological effect. 

All employees handling or working around chlorine should be trained to handle it properly and safely with special emphasis placed on actions to be taken and equipment to be used in case of emergencies such as leaks. Each employee should be trained in the properties and physiological effects of chlorine [6], the location and proper use of the several types of respiratory equipment, and the conditions under which each type must be used. Each employee should also be trained in first aid procedures, particularly in administering artificial respiration. Quiz sessions on actions to be taken in emergencies, the proper use of respiratory equipment, and first aid measures should be held at regular intervals. [7]... 

A large number of ubiquitous environmental pollutants are very toxic to the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis when administered at high (greater than environmental) levels. To study low level effects on the HPT axis, laboratory animals were administered a mixture of 16 organochlorine pesticides and other chlorinated hydrocarbons and heavy metals, all at levels similar to those found environmentally, so as to simulate environmental exposure. The chemicals included DDT (6.91), HCB (5.73), TCDD (6.80), PCBs (6.29), methoxychlor (5.08), endosulfan (3.83), heptachlor (6.10), hexachlorocyclohexane (3.80), dieldrin (5.40), aldrin (6.50), mirex (7.18), several chlorinated benzenes (2.84-3.44), cadmium (-1.65), and lead (1.35). Effects were measured by monitoring thyroid activity. The study found that this mixture of environmental pollutants was toxic and can alter HPT physiology in sexually mature malesJ50 ... 

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