Chlorine-induced cardiopulmonary injury
- PMID: 27303906
- PMCID: PMC4940235
- DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13091
Chlorine-induced cardiopulmonary injury
Abstract
Chlorine (Cl2 ) is utilized worldwide for a diverse range of industrial applications, including pulp bleaching, sanitation, and pharmaceutical development. Though Cl2 has widespread use, little is known regarding the mechanisms of toxicity associated with Cl2 exposure, which occurs during industrial accidents or acts of terrorism. Previous instances of Cl2 exposure have led to reported episodes of respiratory distress that result in high morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, studies suggest that acute Cl2 exposure also results in systemic vascular injury and subsequent myocardial contractile dysfunction. Here, we review both lung and cardiac pathology associated with acute Cl2 inhalation and discuss recently published data that suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction underlies the pathogenesis of Cl2 -induced toxicity. Last, we discuss our findings that suggest that upregulation of autophagy protects against Cl2 -induced lung inflammation and can be a potential therapeutic target for ameliorating the toxic effects of Cl2 exposure.
Keywords: autophagy; cardiac injury; chlorine; lung injury; mitochondrial dysfunction.
© 2016 New York Academy of Sciences.
Figures

References
-
- Winder C. The toxicology of chlorine. Environ Res. 2001;85:105–114. - PubMed
-
- Evans RB. Chlorine: state of the art. Lung. 2005;183:151–167. - PubMed
-
- Snider TH, et al. A dynamic system for delivering controlled bromine and chlorine vapor exposures to weanling swine skin. Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2014;33:161–167. - PubMed
-
- Becker M, Forrester M. Pattern of chlorine gas exposures reported to Texas poison control centers, 2000 through 2005. Tex Med. 2008;104:52–57. 51. - PubMed
-
- Plant JF. Rail safety: Targeting oversight and assessing results. Public Administration Review. 2008;68:137–140.
Publication types
MeSH terms
Substances
Grants and funding
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources
Other Literature Sources