The extent of poisoning caused by chlorine depends on the amount of chlorine a person is exposed to, how the person was exposed, and the length of time of the exposure. When chlorine gas comes into contact with moist tissues such as the eyes, throat, and lungs, an acid is produced that can damage these tissues.

How does chlorine produce toxic?

Chlorine dissolves in water to form hypochlorous acid (HOCl) that partially breaks down again to form the hypochlorite ion (OCl-). Hypochlorous acid and the hypochlorite ion are toxic to potentially harmful microorganisms and disinfect drinking water.

Is chloride toxic to humans?

Chloride toxicity has not been observed in humans except in the special case of impaired sodium chloride metabolism, e.g. in congestive heart failure (13). Healthy individuals can tolerate the intake of large quantities of chloride provided that there is a concomitant intake of fresh water.