Chlorine (Cl2)
Quick Reference
What is Cl2?
Widely used in water treatment and other industrial processes such as plastics production and disinfection. It is gaseous at standard temperature and pressure but is stored and transported in liquefied form. If released it forms a yellow-green gas that is heavier than air. Degraded by UV light.
Crew Safety
- Staging/Perimeter
- Small spill: 60 m in all directions, downwind 300 m in the daytime and 1500 m at night.
- Large spill: Railcar: 1000 m in all directions. Highway truck: 600 m all directions. Greater distance downwind. See ERG Table 3 for specifics.
- Additional Resources
- Fire department/HAZMAT team with SCBA and chemical protective clothing.
- PPE requirements
- SCBA plus chemical protective clothing when Cl2 may be present as a gas.
- Safely initiating patient contact
- Fire department/HAZMAT team should bring the patient to paramedics in a safe location.
- Paramedics may assist with decontamination.
- Paramedics to wear face/eye protections with gloves/gown.
Effect on the Patient
Forms hypochlorous and hydrochloric acid when dissolved in water found on mucous membranes and skin, therefore acting as an irritant of the eyes, upper airway, skin and lower airway. May cause irritation of upper airway leading to airway compromise and pulmonary edema. May also cause severe eye-irritation or skin irritation.
Patient Decontamination
Clothing should be removed, DO NOT transport clothing with the patient. Decontamination of skin only required if irritation is present or if patient exposed directly to liquid chlorine: flush with high volume/low pressure water. If eye irritation present flush with water or saline until pH testing confirms pH neutral.
Patient Treatment
- Decontamination as above.
- Upper airway irritation may lead to airway compromise and/or pulmonary edema. Treat as per BCEHS CPGs.
- Delayed onset of respiratory symptoms possible. Transport for assessment and monitoring regardless of symptoms.
Safe Transfer of Care
No concern for off-gassing or secondary contamination provided initial decontamination (if indicated) has been done.
Paramedic and Equipment Decontamination
No special considerations. If clothing inadvertently transported in ambulance, ventilate with all doors open for 20 minutes
Quick Access Resources
DPIC Monograph
Paramedic Specialist Safety Data Sheet
Emergency Response Guidebook
Revision History
| Version | Date | Changes | Author |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 2026-05-01 | Initial version | Clinical Hub |