Chlorine (Cl) has a very distinct smell, it is used to kill bacteria and is a disinfectant. However, at high levels it can become increasingly harmful and irritable to humans.

Here are 5 essential facts about Cl that you should know:

- Cl is a yellowy-green dense gas with a choking smell. It is used to treat drinking water and swimming pool water. It is also used to make hundreds of consumer products from paper to paints, and from textiles to insecticides.

-High levels of Cl can cause: a sudden onset of nausea and vomiting, burning sensation in throat, itchy eyes, difficulty or shallow breathing, skin redness and dull chest pain

-Breathing high levels of Cl causes fluid build-up in the lungs, a condition known as pulmonary edema

-Cl was first used in WWII to kill people, which proves how dangerous it can be, if not diluted

-Cl is the second lightest halogen, next to Fluorine

Chlorine is one of the top five chemicals resulting in injuries and evacuations - just below Carbon Monoxide. Here at Point Safety, your safety is our priority, we supply a range of single gas monitors to detect for this harmful gas; Chlorine, you can search them by clicking here. There are also fixed gas detection systems for Chlorine available, whether you are looking for supply only or supply, install and commission, we will do what is best for you and the environment in which you work. Please see our fixed section of our website for more information, call us on 01704 330315 or email fixed@pointsafety.com.