Chlorine
RTECS #
FO2100000
CAS #
Updated
March 2019
Molecular Weight
70.90
Molecular Formula
Cl2
Synonyms
Bertholite
Chloor (Dutch)
Chlor (German)
Chlore (French)
Chlorinated water
Chlorine (ACGIH:OSHA)
Chlorine mol.
Cloro (Italian)
Molecular chlorine
Chloor (Dutch)
Chlor (German)
Chlore (French)
Chlorinated water
Chlorine (ACGIH:OSHA)
Chlorine mol.
Cloro (Italian)
Molecular chlorine
Mutation Data and Reference
| System Test | Route/Organism/Tissue | Dose | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cytogenetic Analysis | lymphocyte/human | 20 ppm | CBINA8 6,375,1973 |
| mutation in microorganisms | /Salmonella typhimurium | 1800 µg/L (-enzymatic activation step) | OZSEDS 8,217,1986 |
| sperm morphology | oral/mouse | 20 mg/kg/5D-continuous | ENMUDM 7,201,1985 |
Reproductive Effects Data and References
| Route/Organism | Dose | Effect | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| oral/rat | 565 mg/kg (8W male/2W pre-3W after birth) | Reproductive: Effects on newborn: Biochemical and metabolic | TJADAB 35,43A,1987 |
Tumorigenic Data and References
| Route/Organism | Dose | Effect | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| inhalation/monkey | lowest published toxic concentration: 2300 ppb/6H/1Y- intermittent | Tumorigenic: Neoplastic by RTECS criteria Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Tumors | NTIS** OTS0571476 |
| oral/rat | lowest published toxic dose: 5047 mg/kg/103W- continuous | Tumorigenic: Equivocal tumorigenic agent by RTECS criteria Blood: Leukemia | NTIS** PB92-191659 |
| oral/rat | lowest published toxic dose: 5096 mg/kg/2Y- continuous | Tumorigenic: Equivocal tumorigenic agent by RTECS criteria Blood: Leukemia | NTPTR* NTP-TR-392,1992 |
Acute Toxicity Data and References
| Route/Organism | Dose | Effect | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| inhalation/cat | lowest published toxic concentration: 870 mg/m3/1H | Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Acute pulmonary edema Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory obstruction Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Body temperature decrease | VCVN5* -,373,1989 |
| inhalation/cat | lowest published toxic concentration: 29 mg/m3 | Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Acute pulmonary edema Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Body temperature decrease | VCVN5* -,373,1989 |
| inhalation/Dog | Lowest published lethal concentration: 800 ppm/30M | Behavioral: Muscle weakness Gastrointestinal: Nausea or vomiting Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Dyspnea | JPETAB 14,65,1919 |
| inhalation/Dog | lowest published toxic concentration: 145 mg/m3/30M | Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Acute pulmonary edema Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory obstruction Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Body temperature decrease | VCVN5* -,373,1989 |
| inhalation/domestic animal | lowest published toxic concentration: 60 ppm/30M | Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Multiple enzyme effects | TOXID9 12,404,2008 |
| inhalation/domestic animal | lowest published toxic concentration: 90 ppm/30M | Cardiac: Other changes Liver: Other changes Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Multiple enzyme effects | TOXID9 12,404,2008 |
| inhalation/guinea pig | Lowest published lethal concentration: 3200 ppm/3H | AHYGAJ 7,231,1887 | |
| inhalation/guinea pig | lowest published toxic concentration: 870 mg/m3/1H | Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Acute pulmonary edema Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory obstruction Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Body temperature decrease | VCVN5* -,373,1989 |
| inhalation/guinea pig | lowest published toxic concentration: 29 mg/m3 | Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Acute pulmonary edema Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Body temperature decrease | VCVN5* -,373,1989 |
| inhalation/horse, donkey | Lowest published lethal concentration: 2900 mg/m3/35M | Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Emphysema Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Acute pulmonary edema Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Body temperature decrease | VCVN5* -,373,1989 |
| inhalation/human | Lowest published lethal concentration: 2900 mg/m3/5M | VCVN5* -,373,1989 | |
| inhalation/human | Lowest published lethal concentration: 100 mg/m3/30M | VCVN5* -,373,1989 | |
| inhalation/human | lowest published toxic concentration: 0.9 mg/m3 | Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Cough | VCVN5* -,373,1989 |
| inhalation/human | lowest published toxic concentration: 500 ppb/2D- intermittent | Behavioral: Tolerance | JAPYAA 54,1120,1983 |
| inhalation/human | Lowest published lethal concentration: 2530 mg/m3/30M | Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Structural or functional change in trachea or bronchi Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Emphysema Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Chronic pulmonary edema or congestion | 28ZOAH -,150,1937 |
| inhalation/human | Lowest published lethal concentration: 500 ppm/5M | TABIA2 3,231,1933 | |
| inhalation/human | lowest published toxic concentration: 66 ppm/1H | Behavioral: Headache Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Cough Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Dyspnea | DICYE7 4,28,1988 |
| inhalation/mammal (species unspecified) | Lowest published lethal concentration: 500 ppm/5M | AEPPAE 138,65,1928 | |
| inhalation/mouse | Lowest published lethal concentration: 1100 mg/m3/10M | Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Emphysema Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Acute pulmonary edema Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Body temperature decrease | VCVN5* -,373,1989 |
| inhalation/mouse | lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 368 mg/m3/30M | Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Emphysema Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Acute pulmonary edema Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Body temperature decrease | VCVN5* -,373,1989 |
| inhalation/mouse | lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 137 ppm/1H | AMRL** TR-72-62,1972 | |
| inhalation/mouse | lowest published toxic concentration: 50 ppm/15M | Behavioral: Sleep Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Body temperature decrease Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Acute pulmonary edema | TXCYAC 303,34,2013 |
| inhalation/mouse | lowest published toxic concentration: 200 ppm/15M | Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Fibrosis, focal (pneumoconiosis) | TXCYAC 303,34,2013 |
| inhalation/mouse | lowest published toxic concentration: 228 ppm/1H | Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Acute pulmonary edema | TXAPA9 263,251,2012 |
| inhalation/mouse | lowest published toxic concentration: 60 ppm/1H | Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes Biochemical: Metabolism (intermediary): Effect on inflammation or mediation of inflammation | TXAPA9 278,53,2015 |
| inhalation/mouse | lowest published toxic concentration: 200 ppm/15M | Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Acute pulmonary edema Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes Biochemical: Metabolism (intermediary): Effect on inflammation or mediation of inflammation | TXAPA9 271,168,2013 |
| inhalation/mouse | lowest published toxic concentration: 0.6 ppm/15M | Olfaction: Other olfaction effects Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory obstruction Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory stimulation | TOXID9 78,439,2004 |
| inhalation/mouse | lowest published toxic concentration: 50 ppm/15M | Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes Biochemical: Metabolism (intermediary): Effect on inflammation or mediation of inflammation | TOLED5 282,1,2018 |
| inhalation/rabbit | lowest published toxic concentration: 400 ppm/8M | Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes | TXAPA9 315,1,2017 |
| inhalation/rabbit | lowest published toxic concentration: 29 mg/m3 | Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Acute pulmonary edema Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Body temperature decrease | VCVN5* -,373,1989 |
| inhalation/rabbit | lowest published toxic concentration: 870 mg/m3/1H | Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Acute pulmonary edema Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory obstruction Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Body temperature decrease | VCVN5* -,373,1989 |
| inhalation/rat | lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 293 ppm/1H | AMRL** TR-72-62,1972 | |
| inhalation/rat | lowest published toxic concentration: 3 mg/m3 | Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Multiple enzyme effects | VCVN5* -,375,1989 |
| inhalation/rat | lowest published toxic concentration: 10 mg/m3 | Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Cough | VCVN5* -,375,1989 |
| inhalation/rat | lowest published toxic concentration: 400 ppm/30M | Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Body temperature decrease Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory depression Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes | TXCYAC 310,104,2013 |
| inhalation/rat | lowest published toxic dose: 1330 ppm/15M | Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Fibrosis (interstitial) Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Acute pulmonary edema Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Pleural thickening | INHTE5 16,911,2004 |
| inhalation/rat | lowest published toxic concentration: 1330 ppm/15M | Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Fibrosis (interstitial) Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Acute pulmonary edema Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Pleural thickening | INHTE5 16,911,2004 |
| inhalation/rat | lowest published toxic concentration: 413 ppm/30M | Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory depression Cardiac: Change in rate Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Changes in lung weight | TXCYAC 326,109,2014 |
| inhalation/rat | Lowest published lethal concentration: 413 ppm/30M | TXCYAC 326,109,2014 | |
| inhalation/rat | lowest published toxic concentration: 400 ppm/30M | Vascular: Contraction (isolated tissue) Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory depression Vascular: Other changes | TXCYAC 321,96,2014 |
| multiple/rabbit | lowest published lethal dose: 600 ppm/45M | Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes Biochemical: Metabolism (intermediary): Other proteins Biochemical: Metabolism (intermediary): Effect on inflammation or mediation of inflammation | TOLED5 271,20,2017 |
| oral/human | lowest published toxic dose: 2.9 mg/kg | Skin: After topical application: Primary irritation | VCVN5* -,374,1989 |
Other Multiple Dose Data and References
| Route/Organism | Dose | Effect | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| inhalation/monkey | lowest published toxic concentration: 2300 ppb/6H/1Y- intermittent | Olfaction: Other olfaction effects Eye: Conjunctiva irritation Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes | FAATDF 9,557,1987 |
| inhalation/mouse | lowest published toxic concentration: 9100 ppb/6H/5D- intermittent | Olfaction: Other olfaction effects Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Structural or functional change in trachea or bronchi Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain | TXAPA9 71,225,1983 |
| inhalation/mouse | lowest published toxic concentration: 400 ppb/6H/2Y- intermittent | Olfaction: Other olfaction effects | NTIS** OTS0538318 |
| inhalation/rabbit | lowest published toxic concentration: 1.7 mg/m3/5H/38W- intermittent | Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Emphysema Liver: Other changes Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain | VCVN5* -,375,1989 |
| inhalation/rat | lowest published toxic concentration: 3 mg/m3/24H/5D- continuous | Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Multiple enzyme effects | VCVN5* -,375,1989 |
| inhalation/rat | lowest published toxic concentration: 10 mg/m3/24H/5D- continuous | Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Cough | VCVN5* -,375,1989 |
| inhalation/rat | lowest published toxic concentration: 26 mg/m3/6H/6W- intermittent | Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Structural or functional change in trachea or bronchi | VCVN5* -,375,1989 |
| inhalation/rat | lowest published toxic concentration: 2.9 mg/m3/6H/6W- intermittent | Olfaction: Other olfaction effects | VCVN5* -,375,1989 |
| inhalation/rat | lowest published toxic concentration: 9100 ppb/6H/5D- intermittent | Olfaction: Other olfaction effects Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Structural or functional change in trachea or bronchi Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain | TXAPA9 71,225,1983 |
| inhalation/rat | lowest published toxic concentration: 400 ppb/6H/2Y- intermittent | Olfaction: Other olfaction effects | NTIS** OTS0538318 |
| inhalation/rat | lowest published toxic concentration: 9 ppm/6H/6W- intermittent | Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Other changes Blood: Changes in leukocyte (WBC) count Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Phosphatases | TXAPA9 49,77,1979 |
| oral/mouse | lowest published toxic dose: 153 gm/kg/73W- continuous | Cardiac: Changes in heart weight Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Changes in bladder weight Related to Chronic Data: Changes in ovarian weight | FCTOD7 21,435,1983 |
| oral/rat | lowest published toxic dose: 7568 mg/kg/28D- continuous | Behavioral: Food intake (animal) Liver: Changes in liver weight Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Changes in bladder weight | FCTOD7 21,423,1983 |
| oral/rat | lowest published toxic dose: 42 gm/kg/2W- continuous | Brain and Coverings: Changes in brain weight Liver: Changes in liver weight Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Changes in bladder weight | JTEHD6 2,1161,1977 |
| oral/rat | lowest published toxic dose: 3312 mg/kg/92D- continuous | Blood: Change in clotting factors | JTEHD6 20,401,1987 |
| oral/rat | lowest published toxic dose: 109 gm/kg/2Y- continuous | Endocrine: Changes in spleen weight Blood: Changes in other cell count (unspecified) Biochemical: Metabolism (intermediary): Plasma proteins not involving coagulation | FCTOD7 21,427,1983 |
| oral/rat | lowest published toxic dose: 136.5 mg/kg/13W- continuous | Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes Liver: Other changes | VCVN5* -,375,1989 |
| oral/rat | lowest published toxic dose: 36.2 gm/kg/69W- continuous | Blood: Normocytic anemia | VCVN5* -,375,1989 |
| oral/rat | lowest published toxic dose: 30.2 gm/kg/69W- continuous | Blood: Changes in platelet count | VCVN5* -,375,1989 |
Reviews
| Organization | Standard | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) | Threshold Limit Value-time-weighted average 0.5 ppm;short term exposure limit 1 ppm | DTLVS* TLV/BEI,2013 |
| American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) | Threshold Limit Value-Not classifiable as a human carcinogen | DTLVS* TLV/BEI,2013 |
| TOXICOLOGY REVIEW | CPEMM* 3,239,2002 | |
| TOXICOLOGY REVIEW | CHHSA* 9,24,2002 | |
| TOXICOLOGY REVIEW | DIMON* 46,551,2000 | |
| TOXICOLOGY REVIEW | ENTOX* -,553,2005 | |
| TOXICOLOGY REVIEW | HUTOX* -,661,1996 | |
| TOXICOLOGY REVIEW | HUTOX* -,671,1996 | |
| TOXICOLOGY REVIEW | HUTOX* -,683,1996 | |
| TOXICOLOGY REVIEW | HTCWA* 2,313, | |
| TOXICOLOGY REVIEW | CCACL* 21,719,2005 | |
| TOXICOLOGY REVIEW | TOLED5 198,297,2010 | |
| TOXICOLOGY REVIEW | TOLED5 204,148,2011 | |
| TOXICOLOGY REVIEW | RTOPDW 54,247,2009 | |
| TOXICOLOGY REVIEW | RTOPDW 54,294,2009 | |
| TOXICOLOGY REVIEW | VETODR ,215,2018 |
Standards and Regulations
| Organization | Standard | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) 1988 PESTICIDE SUBJECT TO REGISTRATION OR RE-REGISTRATION | FEREAC 54,7740,1989 | |
| Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) 1998 STATUS OF PESTICIDES | RED Completed | RBREV* -,301,1998 |
| Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) STANDARD-air | time-weighted average 1 ppm (3 mg/m3) | DTLVS* 3,46,1971 |
| Occupational Exposure Limit IN ARGENTINA, BULGARIA, COLOMBIA, JORDAN check ACGIH TLV; | ||
| Occupational Exposure Limit IN SINGAPORE, VIETNAM check ACGIH TLV | ||
| Occupational Exposure Limit-ARAB Republic of Egypt | time-weighted average 1 ppm (3 mg/m3), JAN1993 | |
| Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRALIA | ceiling concentration 1 ppm (3 mg/m3), JUL2008 | |
| Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRIA | MAK-KZW 0.5 ppm (1.5 mg/m3), 2007 | |
| Occupational Exposure Limit-BELGIUM | short term exposure limit 0.5 ppm (1.5 mg/m3), MAR2002 | |
| Occupational Exposure Limit-DENMARK | time-weighted average 0.5 ppm (1.5 mg/m3), MAY2011 | |
| Occupational Exposure Limit-EC | short term exposure limit 1.5 mg/m3 (0.5 ppm), FEB2006 | |
| Occupational Exposure Limit-FINLAND | short term exposure limit 0.5 ppm (1.5 mg/m3), NOV2011 | |
| Occupational Exposure Limit-FRANCE | VLE 1 ppm (3 mg/m3), FEB2006 | |
| Occupational Exposure Limit-GERMANY | MAK 0.5 ppm (1.5 mg/m3), 2011 | |
| Occupational Exposure Limit-HUNGARY | time-weighted average 1.5 mg/m3, short term exposure limit 1.5 mg/m3, SEP2000 | |
| Occupational Exposure Limit-ICELAND | short term exposure limit 0.5 ppm (1.5 mg/m3), NOV2011 | |
| Occupational Exposure Limit-INDIA | time-weighted average 1 ppm (3 mg/m3), short term exposure limit 3 ppm (9 mg/m3), JAN1993 | |
| Occupational Exposure Limit-JAPAN | ceiling concentration 0.5 ppm (1.5 mg/m3), MAY2012 | |
| Occupational Exposure Limit-KOREA | time-weighted average 1 ppm (3 mg/m3), short term exposure limit 3 ppm (9 mg/m3), 2006 | |
| Occupational Exposure Limit-MEXICO | time-weighted average 1 ppm (3 mg/m3);short term exposure limit 3 ppm (9 mg/m3), 2004 | |
| Occupational Exposure Limit-NEW ZEALAND | time-weighted average 0.5 ppm (1.5 mg/m3); short term exposure limit 1 ppm (2.9 mg/m3), JAN2002 | |
| Occupational Exposure Limit-NORWAY | time-weighted average 0.5 ppm (1.5 mg/m3), JAN1999 | |
| Occupational Exposure Limit-PERU | time-weighted average 0.5 ppm (1.45 mg/m3); short term exposure limit 1 ppm (3 mg/m3), JUL2005 | |
| Occupational Exposure Limit-POLAND | MAC(time-weighted average) 1.5 mg/m3, short term exposure limit 9 mg/m3, JAN1999 | |
| Occupational Exposure Limit-RUSSIA | short term exposure limit 1 mg/m3, Skin, JUN2003 | |
| Occupational Exposure Limit-SWEDEN | time-weighted average 0.5 ppm (1.5 mg/m3), ceiling concentration 1 ppm (3 mg/m3), JUN2005 | |
| Occupational Exposure Limit-SWITZERLAND | ceiling concentration 0.5 ppm (1.5 mg/m3), JAN2011 | |
| Occupational Exposure Limit-THAILAND | time-weighted average 1 ppm (3 mg/m3), JAN1993 | |
| Occupational Exposure Limit-THE NETHERLANDS | MAC-C 3 mg/m3, 2003 | |
| Occupational Exposure Limit-THE PHILIPPINES | time-weighted average 1 ppm (3 mg/m3), JAN1993 | |
| Occupational Exposure Limit-TURKEY | time-weighted average 1 ppm (3 mg/m3), JAN1993 | |
| Occupational Exposure Limit-UNITED KINGDOM | short term exposure limit 0.5 ppm (1.5 mg/m3), OCT2007 | |
| Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Construction) | ceiling concentration 1 ppm (3 mg/m3) | CFRGBR 29,1926.55,1994 |
| Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Federal Contractors) | ceiling concentration 1 ppm (3 mg/m3) | CFRGBR 41,50-204.50,1994 |
| Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (General Industry) | ceiling concentration 1 ppm (3 mg/m3) | CFRGBR 29,1910.1000,1994 |
| Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Shipyards) | ceiling concentration 1 ppm (3 mg/m3) | CFRGBR 29,1915.1000,1993 |
NIOSH Documentation and Surveillance
| Organization | Standard | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Level TO CHLORINE-air | 10H time-weighted average 0.5 ppm;short term exposure limit 1 ppm | NIOSH* DHHS #92-100,1992 |
| National Occupational Exposure Survey 1983 | Hazard Code X9656; Number of Industries 3; Total Number of Facilities 338; Number of Occupations 6; Total Number of Employees Exposed 4768; Total Number of Female Employees Exposed 1862 | |
| National Occupational Exposure Survey 1983 | Hazard Code 18040; Number of Industries 70; Total Number of Facilities 5343; Number of Occupations 75; Total Number of Employees Exposed 178105; Total Number of Female Employees Exposed 20221 | |
| National Occupational Hazard Survey 1974 | Hazard Code 18040; Number of Industries 169; Total Number of Facilities 21429; Number of Occupations 86; Total Number of Employees Exposed 220544 |
Status in Federal Agencies
Page last reviewed: November 16, 2018
Content
source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health