Chlorine Research Paper

Chlorine is an element that exists as a diatomic molecule. A diatomic molecule is a molecule only composed of two atoms. These atoms can either be the same or different chemical elements. It is a member of the Halogen group, and was discovered by Carl Willhelm Scheele in 1774. (Chlorine, 2015). Chlorine is a naturally occurring element, this element is abundant and part of the salt of the Earth. It is primarily found as the chloride ion which occurs in minerals, meteorites, and on Earth. Chlorine is most commonly used for disinfecting purposes, for example household cleaners. (Group, 2011). Often, it is added to water systems, as it decelerates the growth of bacteria such as E. Coli and Giardia. It is also used in medication and pesticides. …show more content…
Chlorine can be manufactured by electrolysis of a sodium chloride solution. Co-products that result in the production of chlorine include, caustic soda and hydrogen gas. Both products, as well as chlorine itself, are highly reactive. (History, 2011). Chlorine gas can be pressurized and cooled to convert into a liquid state, as a liquid chlorine can be shipped and stored. When the liquid is released it quickly turns into a gas. Due to the fact that chlorine is heavier than air, it stays close to the ground and moves quickly. Chlorine gas can be recognized by its overpowering and nauseating odor, similar to that of bleach. Chlorine gas appears as a yellow-green color. Although it is not flammable, it can react explosively or form explosive compounds with other chemicals. (Facts, …show more content…
Chlorine gas accidents often occur when chlorine leaks or spills after pressurized tanks are punctured. The worst reported accident occurred in 2005. An 18 cars from a freight trained derailed, releasing 120,000 pounds of chlorine gas in a South Carolina town. 1,400 people were exposed, 9 were killed and 550 were sent to the hospital with lung damage. More than 5,000 people were sent to the hospital. Chlorine gas poses a major health risk and can result in permanent respiratory damage. I may also cause fluid accumulations in the lungs, which may result in a person drowning in their own body fluid. Mary Anne Duncan, an epidemiologist at the Federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry states, “Exposure to high levels of chlorine gas from a release can cause severe health effects, including death.” Many involved in chlorine gas related accidents suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders, shortly after the accidents. “Chlorine was used as a war gas for a reason. It was designed not just to kill the enemy but also inflict fear in the enemy. You remember every second you were exposed to the gas. You don’t know where to go. You see your clothes bleach before your very eyes. You see animals die,” said Erik Svendsen, an epidemiologist who studies the health effects of chlorine clouds. Data suggests chlorine accidents occur in the United States at the rate of at least once every two or three

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