After chlorine gas was released at a five-star hotel in Jeju and dozens of guests were taken to hospitals, attention is also focusing on the symptoms and response measures associated with chlorine gas exposure.
Recently, about 40 guests at the sauna of Grand Josun Jeju complained of symptoms including coughing, vomiting, headaches, tearing and a runny nose before being taken to nearby hospitals. The hotel said it believes chlorine gas leaked because bleach was incorrectly added during the mixing of disinfectants for the swimming pool, and announced that it would establish measures to prevent a recurrence.
Chlorine is a substance that irritates the respiratory tract when inhaled. The Ministry of Environment's Chemical Information Processing System also classifies chlorine as Level 2 for ‘acute toxicity— inhalation,’ and states that inhalation can be fatal and may cause respiratory irritation. It can also cause severe damage to the skin and eyes.
The first symptoms that may appear after exposure are irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. The eyes may sting or water, the nose may run, and the throat may hurt or a cough may develop. With more severe exposure, respiratory symptoms such as chest tightness or difficulty breathing may occur.
If there is a strong smell of chlorine or the eyes and throat suddenly begin to sting and coughing starts, the first thing to do is leave the site. The National Institute of Chemical Safety operates a system for promptly providing information about chemical accidents and, when necessary, guiding residents to evacuate to a safe location. Rather than remaining at the accident site to assess the situation, it is important to quickly move to a safe place in accordance with instructions from the relevant authorities.
Anyone who has inhaled the gas should be moved to an area with fresh air and allowed to rest in a position that makes breathing easier. The Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency's first-aid guidelines for chemical substances also advise moving people who have inhaled chemicals to an area with fresh air and seeking medical attention if they have difficulty breathing.
If chlorine gets on the eyes or skin, it must be washed off thoroughly with water. In particular, if a chemical enters the eye, it is important not to rub the eye and to immediately rinse it with clean water or saline solution. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency advises that prompt irrigation is most important in cases of chemical corneal burns, followed by evaluation by medical professionals.
Even if coughing or irritation of the eyes and throat appears briefly and then subsides, it is not necessarily safe to assume that there is no further risk. Medical attention should be sought if coughing continues, shortness of breath or chest tightness occurs, or wheezing develops. If the condition is severe, such as difficulty breathing or decreased consciousness, call 119 immediately.
Above all, people should avoid reentering the site where chlorine gas was released in an attempt to rescue someone. Even when a rescue is needed, the priority is to report the situation to 119 or another relevant authority rather than entering the site personally, and to wait for the rescue in a safe place.
Recently, about 40 guests at the sauna of Grand Josun Jeju complained of symptoms including coughing, vomiting, headaches, tearing and a runny nose before being taken to nearby hospitals. The hotel said it believes chlorine gas leaked because bleach was incorrectly added during the mixing of disinfectants for the swimming pool, and announced that it would establish measures to prevent a recurrence.
Chlorine is a substance that irritates the respiratory tract when inhaled. The Ministry of Environment's Chemical Information Processing System also classifies chlorine as Level 2 for ‘acute toxicity— inhalation,’ and states that inhalation can be fatal and may cause respiratory irritation. It can also cause severe damage to the skin and eyes.
The first symptoms that may appear after exposure are irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. The eyes may sting or water, the nose may run, and the throat may hurt or a cough may develop. With more severe exposure, respiratory symptoms such as chest tightness or difficulty breathing may occur.
If there is a strong smell of chlorine or the eyes and throat suddenly begin to sting and coughing starts, the first thing to do is leave the site. The National Institute of Chemical Safety operates a system for promptly providing information about chemical accidents and, when necessary, guiding residents to evacuate to a safe location. Rather than remaining at the accident site to assess the situation, it is important to quickly move to a safe place in accordance with instructions from the relevant authorities.
Anyone who has inhaled the gas should be moved to an area with fresh air and allowed to rest in a position that makes breathing easier. The Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency's first-aid guidelines for chemical substances also advise moving people who have inhaled chemicals to an area with fresh air and seeking medical attention if they have difficulty breathing.
If chlorine gets on the eyes or skin, it must be washed off thoroughly with water. In particular, if a chemical enters the eye, it is important not to rub the eye and to immediately rinse it with clean water or saline solution. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency advises that prompt irrigation is most important in cases of chemical corneal burns, followed by evaluation by medical professionals.
Even if coughing or irritation of the eyes and throat appears briefly and then subsides, it is not necessarily safe to assume that there is no further risk. Medical attention should be sought if coughing continues, shortness of breath or chest tightness occurs, or wheezing develops. If the condition is severe, such as difficulty breathing or decreased consciousness, call 119 immediately.
Above all, people should avoid reentering the site where chlorine gas was released in an attempt to rescue someone. Even when a rescue is needed, the priority is to report the situation to 119 or another relevant authority rather than entering the site personally, and to wait for the rescue in a safe place.