Can acute chlorine poisoning cause severe asphyxiation?

Acute chlorine poisoning generally causes severe asphyxiation. The specific analysis is as follows:

Chlorine is a toxic gas with irritant and corrosive properties, strongly affecting the respiratory system, eyes, and other areas. When inhaled, chlorine irritates the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, leading to symptoms such as laryngeal edema and bronchospasm, which in severe cases may result in breathing difficulties or asphyxiation. Symptoms of acute chlorine poisoning include:

• Respiratory irritation: coughing, sore throat, wheezing.
• Ocular irritation: eye pain, tearing, blurred vision.
• Skin irritation: burning sensation, redness, swelling, blistering.
• Breathing difficulty and asphyxiation: in severe cases, respiratory distress or asphyxiation may occur, requiring immediate emergency treatment.

Therefore, if exposed to chlorine gas and any of the above symptoms develop, one should immediately leave the contaminated area and seek medical attention promptly. During emergency care, the patient should be moved to a well-ventilated area and provided with respiratory support, such as oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation if necessary.