Chlorinium

Chlorine

Chlorine. Chlore, Fr.; Ghlor, Ger. (Not official.) Properties.—Chlorine is a greenish-colored gas, of a persistent, penetrating, suffocating, and characteristic odor. It is soluble in water in the proportion of two volumes (of gas) to one.

Aqua Chlori

Chlorine-water is a greenish-yellow liquid, possessing the suffocating odor of chlorine.

Liquor Sodae Chloratae

Solution of chlorinated soda. A transparent liquid, of a greenish-yellow color, having a slight odor of chlorine, a sharp, saline taste, and an alkaline reaction.

Calx Chlorata

Chlorinated lime. Chloride of lime. A grayish-white substance, in powder or friable lumps, dry or but slightly moist, and nearly entirely dissolved by dilute muriatic acid, with the escape of chlorine. It should contain at least 25 per cent of chlorine.

Physiological Actions

Chlorine as a gas, or in solution in water, is an active irritant. Applied to the skin for some minutes, it causes heat and burning, increased diaphoresis, and, if the contact be sufficiently prolonged, vesication. Inhaled in very small quantity, largely diluted with air, this gas induces a sensation of warmth in the chest, and increases the bronchial mucus. In considerable quantity it is a violent irritant, excites spasm of the glottis, and sets up active inflammation of the larynx, bronchi, and lungs.

Chlorine is without action when moisture is not present. Water is decomposed by it, chlorhydric acid is formed, and oxygen set free as active oxygen or ozone. The antiseptic properties of chlorine are, therefore, due in large part to the oxidizing powers of the liberated ozone. The sulphur and phosphorus compounds with hydrogen are decomposed by chlorine. When this gas is brought into contact with sulphureted hydrogen, chlorhydric acid is formed and sulphur is-precipitated. On these chemical facts rest the deodorant and disinfectant powers of chlorine. Binz has lately made an elaborate study of the effects of chlorine, and he finds that in animals it has a distinct narcotic effect; that it suspends the functions of the cerebrum, but does not impair the contractility of muscle, or the irritability of nerves.

Therapy

Chlorine gas will arrest putrefactive decomposition of animal matters, and may, therefore, be employed as a preservative of anatomical preparations. As a deodorant and disinfectant it may be used to destroy foul effluvia and disease-germs. It is irrespirable in sufficient quantity to affect disease-germs in the living subject, and it destroys the colors and even texture of fabrics, so that it is rarely used for disinfection of the person or of the clothing of patients.

Chlorine-water, chlorinated soda, and solutions of chlorinated lime are employed locally in scarlet fever, diphtheria, aphthae, and gangrene of the mouth and fauces. Their chief utility consists in removing fetor, but they probably, also, exert a toxic influence on disease-germs. Rx Aquae chlori, 2\3 ss; aquae destil., oz iij; syrupi simpl., oz ss. M. Sig.: As a gargle or lotion for the mouth. Rx Calcis chlor., 3 ss; mucilaginis, oz ss; aquae destil., § iijss. M. Sig.: Lotion. To correct fetor of the breath, the following formula may be used: Rx Calcis chlorat., 3 iij; aquae destil., alcoholis, āā, oz ij; ol. rosae, gtt. iv. M. Sig.: A teaspoonful to a tumblerful of water.

Chlorine-water was formerly much employed in scarlet fever, typhoid, typhus, etc. Its use in these affections was predicated on its power to arrest the growths and development of the morbid ferments. It need hardly be stated that such notions are no longer entertained.

These chlorine preparations are unquestionably serviceable as detergent, deodorant, and antiseptic applications to sloughing and gangrenous wounds. A solution of chlorinated soda is employed to prevent infection by animal poisons, the bite of serpents and insects, and the syphilitic virus.

Formerly chlorine-water and chlorinated soda were used in chronic hepatic affections, but there is no evidence that they are serviceable.

The toxic effects of chlorine gas may be prevented by ammoniacal gas, forming ammonium chloride. Albumen is the most suitable and convenient antidote to the chlorine preparations taken into the stomach. It should be given freely in the form of milk, eggs, flour, etc.