At room temperature, hydrogen chloride is a colorless to slightly yellow, corrosive, nonflammable gas that is heavier than air and has a strong irritating odor. On exposure to air, hydrogen chloride forms dense white corrosive vapors. Hydrogen chloride can be released from volcanoes.
Hydrogen chloride has many uses, including cleaning, pickling, electroplating metals, tanning leather, and refining and producing a wide variety of products. Hydrogen chloride can be formed during the burning of many plastics. Upon contact with water, it forms hydrochloric acid. Both hydrogen chloride and hydrochloric acid are corrosive.
People
working in occupations in which hydrogen chloride is used have the highest risk of being exposed to this compound. Exposure of the general population is minimal. Hydrogen chloride gas can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Exposure to high levels can result in corrosive damage to the
eyes,
skin, and
respiratory tissues, and could lead to
pulmonary edema and even
death in extreme cases. This substance has been found in at least 63 of the 1,585 National Priorities List
sites identified by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
See a doctor if you have been harmed by this substance. In addition, it
may be important to
contact an attorney who
can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there
may be
timelimits within which you must commence suit.
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Source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
See Also
- Toxic & Hazardous Substances
- Digestive Disorders: Overview
- Ear, Nose, & Throat Disorders
- Eye Disorders
- Lung & Airway Disorders
- Skin Disorders: Overview
- Hydrogen Chloride: Frequently Asked Questions