Water, a vital necessity for all living organisms, is highly susceptible to contamination by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. If the water becomes contaminated, it can become a source of diseases for both humans and other living creatures. That’s where chlorine steps in as a disinfectant, taking care of those pesky microorganisms. Here’s the thing – chlorine actually occurs naturally in water, but in very small amounts, so its disinfectant power is somewhat limited. To boost its effectiveness, responsible management companies add chlorine to achieve the right levels. This proactive approach ensures that the water remains free from harmful microbes, safeguarding the well-being of everyone who depends on it.
However, the process of adding chlorine levels must be done with care. If chlorine is administered excessively, it can lead to negative impacts, including:
Respiratory Disturbances
Chlorine poisoning can cause health issues commonly related to respiratory problems. In our everyday lives, this problem may arise due to mixing cleaning products containing chlorine with other cleaners that have active ingredients. When these two cleaning substances are combined, Dangerous gas can form and potentially pose a threat to health if inhaled. Some respiratory symptoms that may emerge due to chlorine poisoning include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Sore throat
- Fluid accumulation in the lungs, appearing several hours later.
Skin Rash
Besides allergic reactions to detergents, chlorine can also cause skin issues during activities. The appearance of a skin rash due to chlorine is not always caused by an allergy; it may result from an individual’s sensitivity to chlorine.
The skin can react when directly exposed to substances containing chlorine. Some symptoms of chlorine poisoning that can affect the skin are:
- Irritated and inflamed skin can mRed and itchy skin rash on areas exposed to chlorine, causing discomfort.
- Skin exposed to chlorine can experience a red rash that feels itchy and uncomfortable.
- Skin may become dry and scaly due to excessive exposure to chlorine.
Eye Irritation
In addition to causing reactions on the skin, individuals who are highly sensitive or Exposed to excessive chlorine may encounter visual problems. Direct contact or exposed with gas containing chlorine can lead to eye irritation. Chlorine can trigger reactions and result in the following symptoms:
- Red and watery eyes
- Feeling discomfort and heat in the eyes
- Unclear vision
Other risks of cancer and fatal diseases
It is evident that using chlorine excessively and for extended periods can have negative impacts. Due to chlorine compounds reacting with organic substances and forming hazardous chemicals like trihalomethanes, which are believed contribute to the risk of cancer. Furthermore, chlorine has the potential to lead neurological problems, interfering with the nervous system.
Disruption to aquatic ecosystems
The effects of excessive chlorine usage are not only felt by humans, but the excessive use of chlorine can also pose a threat to the ecosystems in water bodies. For example:
- Coral reefs that are exposed to chlorine can lose their colour, making them more susceptible to diseases.
- It can lead to a decline in the population of plankton and small organisms that serve as food for fish, causing significant disruptions in the ecosystem.
- Chlorine discharged into water bodies can impact the water temperature, consequently affecting the migration and reproductive behaviors of living organisms within the ecosystem.
Therefore, it is crucial for relevant companies to regulate the chlorine levels in water wisely and in accordance with applicable standards. And that’s where we come in! With a professional team and good quality equipment, PT. Seafood Inspection Laboratory provides chlorine level testing in the water for various industries. By conducting these tests, companies can effectively optimise the use of chlorine. This action will not only have a positive impact on the company itself but also contribute to safeguarding human health and preserving the environment.
