Synergy can Disposal of Chlorine (Cl₂)

Overview

  • Chemical Formula: Cl₂

  • Description: Chlorine is a greenish-yellow gas with a pungent, irritating odour. It is highly reactive and commonly used as a disinfectant and bleaching agent.

Label Information

  • Contents: The canister contains chlorine (Cl₂).

  • UN Number: 1017

    • Purpose of UN Number: The United Nations number 1017 is used to identify chlorine for transport and emergency response purposes.

  • Hazard Symbols:

    • Toxic Symbol: The label features a toxic hazard symbol (typically a skull and crossbones) indicating that chlorine is highly poisonous.

    • Corrosive Symbol: The label also includes a corrosive hazard symbol indicating that chlorine can cause severe burns to skin and eyes.

  • Warning Information:

    • Respiratory Protection: The label warns users to employ proper respiratory protection when handling the gas to avoid inhalation.

    • Handling Instructions: Handle the gas with extreme care due to its toxic and corrosive properties. Use in well-ventilated areas or

      within controlled environments with appropriate safety equipment.

    • Emergency Procedures: The label may include first aid instructions in case of exposure, such as moving the affected individual to fresh air and seeking immediate medical attention.

Physical and Chemical Properties

  • Appearance: Greenish-yellow gas.

  • Odour: Pungent, irritating odor.

  • Boiling Point: -34.04°C (-29.27°F)

  • Melting Point: -101.5°C (-150.7°F)

  • Density: Heavier than air, with a density of 3.21 g/L at 0°C.

  • Molecular Weight: 70.906 g/mol.

Health Effects

  • Acute Exposure: Inhalation of chlorine can cause severe respiratory tract irritation, coughing, choking, and potentially life-threatening pulmonary edema. Skin and eye contact can cause severe burns and permanent damage.

  • Chronic Exposure: Long-term exposure can lead to chronic respiratory conditions, such as bronchitis, asthma, and damage to the teeth.

  • Skin and Eye Contact: Chlorine gas can cause severe irritation and burns upon contact with skin and eyes.

Reactivity and Compatibility

  • Reactivity: Chlorine is highly reactive and can react with a wide variety of substances, including metals, ammonia, hydrogen, and hydrocarbons. It can form explosive compounds with many of these substances.

  • Incompatible Materials: Avoid contact with organic materials, reducing agents, strong acids, and bases. Chlorine can also react violently with acetylene, ether, turpentine, and finely divided metals.

Environmental Impact

  • Water Contamination: Chlorine can react with water to form hydrochloric acid (HCl) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl), which can be harmful to aquatic life.

  • Air Quality: As a strong oxidising agent, chlorine can contribute to the formation of secondary air pollutants.

Applications

  • Water Treatment: Widely used for disinfecting drinking water and swimming pools.

  • Industrial Uses: Employed in the production of a wide range of products, including plastics (like PVC), solvents, and pesticides.

  • Bleaching Agent: Used in the bleaching of paper and textiles.

Safety Measures

  • Storage: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place away from incompatible substances. Ensure storage areas are equipped with proper ventilation and leak detection systems.

  • Handling: Use appropriate leak detection methods and regularly inspect equipment. Handle with care to prevent leaks and spills. Use in areas with proper ventilation or within fume hoods.

  • Protective Equipment: Use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirators, gloves, eye protection, and flame-resistant clothing when handling chlorine. Ensure that all personnel are trained in handling toxic and corrosive gases and emergency response procedures.

Regulatory Information

  • Occupational Exposure Limits: Various regulatory bodies have established guidelines for safe exposure levels to protect workers from the harmful effects of chlorine gas.

  • Transport Regulations: When transporting chlorine, it must be properly labeled and packaged according to international regulations, such as those set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).