All issues > Volume 46(2); 2003

Case Report

J Korean Pediatr Soc. 2003;46(2):198-202. Published online February 15, 2003.

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

Su Jin SJ Lee¹, Eun Young EY Park¹, Mi Ran MR Kim¹, Kon Hee KH Lee¹, Kwang Nam KN Kim¹

¹Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul, Korea

Correspondence Kon Hee KH Lee ,Email: lkhchj@shinbiro.com

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.

Keywords :Inhalation injury, Sodium dichloroiso cyanurate, Calcium hypochlorite, Chlorine gas