Acute chlorine gas exposure.
The heavy use of chlorine gas in industry and water purification poses the constant threat of mass gas exposure. In a recent experience with a chlorine gas disaster involving over 100 patients, 64, including six subsequently requiring admission, were treated in the main emergency unit facility. The remainder were triaged to a safe area away from the emergency unit with instructions for symptomatic treatment. Injuries were limited to four organ systems: pulmonary, gastrointestinal, ophthalmic, and cutaneous. Current treatment methods are compared with those in the literature and a protocol for management provided.
D000328:Adult; D001986:Bronchial Spasm / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy; D002648:Child; D002713:Chlorine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004189:Disaster Planning; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005740:Gases / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000628:therapy; D014218:Triage
D005740:Gases; D002713:Chlorine; D004837:Epinephrine