Chlorine Gas
- Context (TH): Chlorine gas leak in the Jhajhra area of Dehradun.
- Chlorine is a yellow-green gas at room temperature.
- Chlorine has a pungent, irritating odour that is detectable at low concentrations.
- The density of chlorine gas is greater than air, which will cause it to initially remain near the ground in areas with little air movement.
- Chlorine is not flammable but may react explosively or form explosive compounds with many common substances (including acetylene, ammonia, natural gas, and hydrogen)
- Chlorine is slightly water soluble and reacts with moisture to form hydrochloric acid (HCl).
- Chlorine is commonly pressurized and cooled for storage and shipment.
- It is produced commercially by electrolysis of sodium chloride brine.
- Chlorine is used in industry and household cleaning products.
- Chlorine was also the first poison gas to be used as a weapon during World War I.
- Chlorine ions help regulate osmotic pressure and help us digest food.
- Chlorine atoms can destroy ozone molecules, severely depleting the stratospheric layer.
