You may have heard people living in cities complain that their water tastes of chlorine. Chlorine is used for sterilizing drinking water and disinfecting swimming pools. However, too much of it in water can cause poisoning.
Chlorine is an element widely used for various purposes. If you have taken a prescription drug, driven a car, or drunk tap water, you are very likely to have been exposed to chlorine. It is used in the production of some commonly used commodities such as paper, textiles, paints and plastic, and especially PVC. Chlorine is also used in the manufacture of car interiors, as the presence of the element can make those materials, from seat cushions to bumpers, lighter.
Man has been using chlorine for thousands of years. Chlorine had been discovered in the 18th century; however, it was not recognized as an element and named until 1810 by Sir Humphry Davy. When chlorine combines with other elements, it is known as chloride. Then, it becomes stable and its toxicity decreases. Sodium chloride, otherwise known as salt, is a common household item.
Chlorine gas was used against the British troops in 1915, during World War I. The gas is dangerously toxic, affecting lungs, and even causing death. Its atomic number is 17, and the symbol is Cl.
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