Chlorine - Cl2
Chlorine - Cl2
Find here the main information on chlorine or " dichlorine " (Cl2) such as its physical characteristics, its effects on health, the means of detecting it (Cl2 gas detector) as well as the appropriate respiratory protection equipment (gas mask or assisted ventilation device with type B anti-gas filter ).
Main characteristics of chlorine (Cl2)
Historically known for its use as a chemical weapon during the First World War (mustard gas), chlorine (Cl2) is a gas used for its disinfectant properties as a biocide (substance that destroys bacteria) in the process of making water potable. It is also found in other sectors of activity, such as the chemical industry (manufacture of herbicide and insecticide), the textile and paper industry as a bleaching agent.
Health effects of chlorine
Chlorine (Cl2) is a gas that is distinguished by its greenish-yellow color and its particularly pungent and suffocating odor . It is an extremely toxic gas (R23) and irritating to the skin (R38), ocular mucous membranes (R36) and respiratory tract (R37). Particularly reactive with water, it forms hydrochloric acid (HCl) or hypochlorous acid (HOCl) which is extremely harmful to humans and the environment.
Cl2 (Chlorine) gas detectors
Although chlorine is a visible and odorous gas, only a Cl2 gas detector can accurately measure the concentrations of this highly toxic gas, so we will move towards chlorine detection in ppm, or even ppb.
For the calibration and gas testing of your fixed or portable gas detectors, chlorine standard gas bottles are available.
Chlorine respiratory protection (Cl2)
Chlorine is very irritating to the eyes, so we will opt for a full mask for short interventions or for a more comfortable assisted ventilation device with type B anti-gas filters. If the concentrations exceed 60 times the VLEP, an isolating breathing apparatus will be essential.