Chlorine
Cl₂Chlorine (Cl₂) is a yellow-green gas with a strong, suffocating odor detectable at very low concentrations (0.5 ppm). Chlorine is widely used for water and wastewater treatment, swimming pool sanitation, chemical manufacturing, and bleaching processes. While essential for public health through water disinfection, chlorine is highly toxic and was historically used as a chemical weapon. OSHA PEL is 1 ppm ceiling with IDLH at 10 ppm—one of the most stringent exposure limits. Chlorine attacks the respiratory system, causing pulmonary edema even at moderate exposures. Comprehensive detection and emergency response systems are required in water treatment plants, chemical storage areas, and any facility handling chlorine.
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Key Information
Essential safety and exposure information for Chlorine
Health Effects
- Severe respiratory irritation
- coughing
- chest tightness
- pulmonary edema. Can be fatal at high concentrations.
Common Sources
- Water treatment facilities
- swimming pools
- chemical manufacturing
- and cleaning products.
Exposure Limits
- OSHA PEL
- 1 ppm (C)
- NIOSH REL
- 0.5 ppm (C)
- ACGIH TLV
- 0.1 ppm (ST 0.4)
Regulatory Status
- OSHA PEL
- 1 ppm ceiling
- NIOSH REL
- 0.5 ppm ceiling
- IDLH
- 10 ppm
- ACGIH TLV
- 0.1 ppm TWA, 0.4 ppm STEL
- EPA
- Extremely Hazardous Substance
- DOT
- Class 2.3 Toxic Gas, UN1017
Detection Requirements
- Sensor Technology
- Electrochemical
- Detection Range
- 0-10 ppm (safety) or 0-50 ppm (leak detection)
- Response Time
- <30 seconds (T90)
- Calibration Frequency
- Quarterly to semi-annual
- Alarm Setpoints
- Low 0.5 ppm, High 1 ppm (OSHA ceiling)
Related Applications
Industries and environments where Chlorine detection is critical
Detection Solutions
Sensors and detectors for Chlorine monitoring
LPT Low Power Transmitter
Single channel, analog gas detector for enclosed parking facilities, recreational facilities, oxygen depletion applications.
cGas Detector Analog Transmitter
Single channel, analog gas detector with Plug & Play Smart Sensor Technology.
cGas Detector Digital Transmitter
One or two channel Modbus® or BACnet® gas detector with flexible customization options and Plug & Play Smart Sensor Technology.
cGas-SC Self-Contained Controller
A self contained controller with up to 3 gas channels, Plug & Play Smart Sensor Technology and configurable logic control and priority settings. Offers superior user customization and reliable gas detection performance for monitoring many gases.
CXT2 Explosion Proof Transmitter
Reliable, accurate monitoring of toxic or combustible gases in potentially explosive and harsh environments, including hazardous-rated areas.
Related Gases
Other Toxic Gases we detect