The leak of toxic gas in the port of Aqaba, according to the Jordanian security services, has so far recorded 10 deaths and 251 injuries.
According to the World Health Organization, chlorine is a greenish-yellow gas with a distinctive odor similar to the smell of bleach, and it is approximately three times heavier than air, and therefore it collects in low areas, and it is not explosive, but it may enhance the explosion of other materials.
exposure to chlorine
Because chlorine is a gas, the most likely route of exposure is inhalation and eye exposure. Skin injury may occur after exposure to condensed gas or from close proximity to the liquefied gas release site under pressure.
Symptoms of irritation on the mucous membranes appear quickly, although there are late effects on the lungs. The severity of the effects depends on the concentration and on the duration of exposure.
According to Physicians for Human Rights, chlorine causes chemical burns to all respiratory tissues it comes in contact with.
Chlorine gas is recognizable by its pungent and irritating odor, which is similar to cleaning “bleach”, and the strong odor may provide sufficient warning to people of exposure.
According to the Center for Disease Control, the most important component of chlorine gas is sodium chloride (salt), known since ancient times, but chlorine as a gas was not known until the 17th century.
The danger of chlorine depends on how close people are to it, the amount and concentration released, and the time period people have been exposed to it.
Chlorine gas in the air affects the eyes, skin and respiratory system. It leads to blurred vision, redness and sores on the skin, burning in the nose, throat and eyes, coughing and breathing difficulties.
According to Jordan TV, Aqaba’s health director called on residents of Aqaba to close windows and stay at home.
A security source told Sky News Arabia that the cadres of the security services are still combing the area, and pointed to the isolation of the incident area and the evacuation of the southern beach.
#Learn #mysterious #yellow #gas #leaked #port #Aqaba