Toxicology

Introduction Chlorine, one of the most abundant elements on Earth, holds a dual legacy—once used as a chemical weapon during World War I, it is now an essential component in many household products and industrial processes. As a potent disinfectant, chlorine plays a key role in treating drinking water, sanitizing surfaces, and manufacturing common products like bleach. Despite its widespread use, chlorine remains a highly reactive and hazardous substance that demands caution during handling or direct contact. Exposure to chlorine gas can lead to severe health risks, including respiratory damage, skin irritation, and, in extreme cases, death. Understanding its mechanisms of toxicity and sources of exposure is crucial to minimizing the risks associated with this chemical. Chlorine Chlorine is a chemical element with the symbol Cl and atomic number 17. It is the second-lightest halogen (group VIIA, period 3) and is positioned between fluorine and bromine in the periodic table. Chlorine ex...