An Accidental Exposure To Chlorine Causing Chemical Pneumonitis

Abstract

Chlorine is a reactive gas used by humanity for over two centuries. Exposure to chlorine has occurred in a number of situations, including as a chemical warfare agent, in industrial and domestic exposures, and as a result of accidents and spills.Respiratory complications that develop after acute exposure to chlorine gas include rhinitis, pneumonitis, pulmonary edema, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) .Up to 1% of exposed individuals die. We present one such unique incident of a young 18 year old boy who developed chemical pneumonitis within a span of 24 hours after a bottle of clorox (sodium hypochlorite) fell over his face while he was asleep.The patient was kept for observation in the hospital due to profuse coughing and chest discomfort . After admission his saturation dropped and he required oxygen support.Through this case we highlight the importance of treatment of chlorine exposure which is essentially symptomatic, with the efficacy of some treatments (such as corticosteroid therapy) still not well established.