Inhalational and dermal injury due to explosion of calcium hypochlorite

Abstract

Calcium hypochlorite is a yellow-white powder widely used as a disinfectant in swimming pools. It releases chlorine gas when added to water and can cause respiratory effects. Dermal and eye injury can occur because of the caustic nature of chlorine. We report a case of chlorine toxicity and burns on a man’s face due to the explosion of calcium hypochlorite while he was mixing it into the water.

Keywords::

• Calcium hypochlorite
• explosion
• chlorine toxicity
• dermal injury

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by Akdeniz University Research Projects Unit.

This case report was presented as a poster at the First Eurasian Congress on Emergency Medicine, November 5–9, 2008, Antalya, Turkey.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflict of interest.