Chemical Exposure

If a person is exposed to a large dose (1000ppm) of chlorine gas with pulmonary failure, what long term effects might be expected? Would there be any differences if the exposed person had pre-existing asthma? If so, what might they be?

Occupational Asthma, Worker, 1/18/2008, 2/16/2008,

Chlorine is the commonest cause of acute irritant-induced asthma. A single large exposure can make a normal person asthmatic. The asthma may last a long time. If the person had asthma beforehand, the asthma cannot have been caused by the exposure, but can be made worse by the exposure. We dont know how long any worsening might last. There is some evidence (although not good) that bronchiolitis may follow a large chlorine exposure, in which case some degree of scarring of the airways (bronchioles) is likely to be permanent. There are some studies of massive chlorine exposure which seem to have caused no lasting problems in those who needed intensive care after the accident. Leroyer C, Malo JL, InfanteRivard C, Dufour JG, Gautrin D, Changes in airway function and bronchial responsiveness after acute occupational exposure to chlorine leading to treatment in a first aid unit, Occup Environ Med, 1998;55:356-359, Weil H, George R, Schwarz M, Ziskind M, Late evaluation of pulmonary function after acute exposure to chlorine gas, Am Rev Respir Dis, 1969;99:374-379,

2/16/2008