Chlorine: Precautions you should know about
As United States and coalition forces step up security efforts in Iraq to undermine insurgent activities fueling sectarian violence, militants have again shifted tactics as evidenced by their recent use of field expedient chemical explosions. The latest addition to the terror arsenal involves an improvised explosive device that is bundled with chlorine liquid or gas. When detonated, the combination of intense heat and concussion causes the chlorine gas to vaporize. This results in poisonous fumes premeditating the air producing further casualties from inhalation and contact to exposed skin. These weapons have been used of late with devastating lethality.
Elsewhere in Iraq, United States military forces have proclaimed to uncover unspecified evidence that Iranian forces are meddling in Iraq by providing insurgent groups with sophisticated weaponry capable of shooting down coalition aircraft; a charge made more credible with the loss of several US helicopters in February of this year. Add to the recent disclosure that Shiite Cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, leader of the illegal Mahdi Army, in Iraq, is thought to have departed the country and taken refuse in Iran, it becomes quite worrisome what troubles lie ahead for the already volatile region.
Here at home, our government has reminded us repeatedly of the need to fight terrorism abroad so that we do not have to fight them on the homeland. To our government’s credit, much has been done post 9/11 to combat terrorism abroad and ferret out internal threats in the United States. And while this effort is commendable, the task is far too great for government alone, nor should we as citizens rely entirely on our government apparatus to keep us safe and secure. We must recognize that the threat is real and vulnerabilities in our communities can not be eliminated. A foe determined to cause mayhem and destroy lives should not be underestimated. We must prepare and remain vigilant.
As with the recent use of chemical munitions in Iraq, their presence is easy to conceal and have a devastating impact upon unsuspecting or ill-prepared civilians. While there is no credible intelligence to suggest this method of delivery is being targeted for use in the United States, nonetheless, it is important to have a working knowledge of dangers associated with chlorine.
Most people have heard the precautionary warnings with combining “ammonia with bleach.” Doing so can produce potentially dangerous vapors, which can easily overwhelm those coming in immediate contact with these toxic fumes. Even minor contact can attack the mucus membrane causing eye irritation, nausea and headache.
Chlorine is commonly found in household cleaning products. But did you know that it was also used effectively as a chemical warfare agent during WWI?
So how do you know if you have toxic chlorine exposure? The scent of the chlorine gas is very recognizable – like that of bleach – an overpowering, noxious odor. To put it in perspective – only 3.5 parts per million (ppm) can be detected as an odor; yet in order to be fatal after a few breaths, the concentration must be 1,000 ppm.
Toxic exposure may result in burning eyes, throat or nose, coughing, blurred vision, nausea and vomiting and painful or blisters on the skin. You may also experience difficulty breathing or fluid in your lungs.
Some defensive countermeasures to take in the event of toxic chlorine exposure include holding your breath and evacuating the area immediately. Get out into fresh air – upwind from the source. Remove clothing immediately and quickly wash your body with soap and water. Flush affected eyes for ten to fifteen minutes.
We can begin protecting ourselves from this and other hazardous chemicals by storing them securely in well-ventilated locations and by reducing the quantities on hand. Equally, important is ensure that they are stored in non-corrosive containers and away from other hazardous or combustible materials.
As Martin Fischer said, “Knowledge is a process of piling up facts; wisdom lies in their simplification.” Wouldn’t you rather be informed rather than ignorant about such matters?
