Pool Chlorine tablet fume inhilation

Hello James,

I shall email you this answer, just as well....

Your inhalation of the Chlorine gas, has produced Hydrochlorous acid in your nasal and throat membranes.

Best thing for your throat, is to drink frequent small swallows of whole milk.

That will neutralize the acid on the membranes, and ease the pain too.

Throat healing should take place over a week or so, normally without lasting effects - when you vomit, a2% Hydrochloric acid mixture ejects upwards from your stomach, and providing you "rinse well, and swallow some water" no lasting effects of vomiting damage the throat - after all, a hot curry will do more damage on the way down)

I have inhaled Chlorine gas many years ago, am still alive to tell the tale, but the bronchial passages cannot easily be "rinsed out".

The effects on breathing passages will be worse if you are an older person.

Accordingly, best to sit up somewhat tonight, on an extra pillow or in an easy chair.

This is most important if you live alone.

The irritation caused by the Hydrochlorous acid in the bronchial passages can cause local (oedema) swelling - and if you are lying down flat in a bed, you may drown in the body's attempts to flush out the acidic coating to the breathing passages.

If you or your loved ones are concerned about the breathing, best to get to a Hospital,if possible, because they do have the breathing equipment available....

Tri-clor tabs develop low dose of chlorine gas but rare to be harmful. Always vent any containment of these tablets in containers or chlorinating devices and avoid breathing fumes when not using a gas mask . Most people won't repeat the same experience. Never sniff pool chemicals wet or dry .

Yes, I have had an experience similar to the original poster. The sore throat should be short-lived. Expect he should be better by now.

The symptoms you described are typical of someone who has inhaled a corrosive gas like chlorine. Best thing for you to do is to seek medical treatment immediately. Whether there is any long term harm or not will depend on your age, physical condition, amount inhaled etc. One more thing: if you have to handle poisons, it's best to wear proper PPE, including gas masks if you're dealing with noxious gases, and to handle them outdoors, where the fumes will at least be diluted with plenty of fresh air.

Thanks a lot for your very thorough and helpful replies. I appreciate it a lot. I still have a bit of a sore throat and my nasal passages are swollen somewhat; but all in all I am getting along pretty darn well. My neighbors brother-in-law inhaled some chlorine fumes from the same source and he couldn't breath, turned blue and had to be taken to the hospital. Luckily I guess I was out in the fresh air and had quick reactions to recap the container quickly. Thanks again, Jim

This is a good illustration of what to do: READ THE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE HANDLING CHEMICALS!

Your questions regarding the symptoms and the possible home remidies have been answered, but there is one thing you need to do to avoid a repeat: Don't let the chlorine tablets get wet at all. Storing chlorine tablets outside is a big problem. Putting a damp scoop back into a container of powdered pool chlorine is a bad idea as well. Not only will chlorine gas be generated in the container there is a possibility of spontaneous combustion as well.

Be more careful around chemicals, friend. Next time you decide to investigate the contents of a covered bucket that has a warning sign concerning chlorine, keep in mind: 'CHLORINE can kill me'!!? Next time, take the bucket to a hazardous materials site, or call them, FIRST! Calling them would be easier for sure, read the posted signs, man. Chlorine is a very, very powerful oxidizer. You're lucky you made it out to tell us what happened to you.