J Korean Pediatr Soc.  2003 Feb;46(2):198-202.

Two Cases of Inhalation Injury Caused by An Explosion of Two Different Chemical Disinfectants(Sodium Dichloroiso Cyanurate & Calcium Hypochlorite) in a Swimming Pool

• Lee SJ
• Park EY
• Kim MR
• Lee KH
• Kim KN

Abstract

Of all toxic inhalant exposures, chlorine is one of the most common toxic chemical inhalants. When acutely inhaled, it can be responsible for symptoms ranging from upper air way irritation to more serious respiratory effects. It can also deteriorate lung function and lead to death. Chlorine and its compounds such as chlorinated cyanurates and hypochlorites are commonly used in water disinfection. The chemical agents discussed in this article are sodium dichloroiso cyanurate and calcium hypochlorite which are the two most popular products for swimming pool chlorination. They are both strong oxidizing agents which are soluble in water. Between the above two alkali agents, acid-base interaction occurred and generated heat. And the acid drove the combination of hypochlorous and chloride ions to form chlorine gas. We have experienced, two boys who had inhalation injuries caused by an accidental explosion which occurred in a swimming pool by mixing two different chlorinating agents : sodium dichloroiso cyanurate and calcium hypochlorite. The children suffered from respiratory difficulties after the exposure. They both required intensive care management and one needed the support of mechanical ventilation

Keyword

Inhalation injury; Sodium dichloroiso cyanurate; Calcium hypochlorite; Chlorine gas

MeSH Terms

Alkalies
Calcium*
Child
Chlorine
Disinfection
Explosions*
Halogenation
Hot Temperature
Humans
Hypochlorous Acid
Inhalation*
Critical Care
Ions
Lung
Oxidants
Respiration, Artificial
Sodium
Swimming Pools*
Swimming*
Water
Alkalies
Calcium
Chlorine
Hypochlorous Acid
Ions
Oxidants
Sodium
Water