Acute chlorine inhalation. Updates for occupational practitioner

Most of individual acute chlorine poisonings are linked to the misuse of household products (combination of a chlorine product and an acid) and to exposure in the swimming pool (after maintenance by shock chlorination). Acute exposure to chlorine can cause respiratory poisoning, but also skin and eyes damages. Respiratory poisoning is the most common and the most likely to lead to collective intoxication, with a dose-dependent effect. Duration of exposure and chlorine concentration are important factors that may influence the severity of symptoms. Respiratory function disorders may persist for several months after exposure. There is no antidote or specific treatment to treat acute chlorine poisoning. There's a possible benefice of oxygen therapy; and questionable effect of corticosteroids and beta-mimetics. This review highlights the major benefit of prehospital care with rapid cessation of exposure (airing, ventilating, evacuating exposed people to an elevated area, preferably outdoors) and proposes a management protocol for occupational health and prevention services.