Objective: Chlorine gas (Cl2) is a common substance used in industry, which causes toxic inhalation as a potent pulmonary irritant. Herein, we aimed to investigate the findings of pediatric cases accidentally exposed to Cl2 gas.

Material and Methods: In October 2017, an accident involving Cl2 gas exposure occurred in a school where 650 students were trained.

Results: Fifty students breathed in the steam generated in the school hallway as a result of an accident during cleaning The mean age of the patients was 11.2±1.5 years (range 2–18 years); 62% of the children were male. Among patients evaluated at the emergency department, 21 (42%) patients were discharged within 4-6 hours after the initial examination and symptomatic treatment. The remaining 29 patients were hospitalized. The presenting symptoms were mostly associated with one another, which included cough and dyspnea (n=30, 60%), nausea and vomiting (n=6, 12%), headache (n=7, 14%), and sore throat (n=3, 6%). Thirty patients had elevated creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) (mean 54.9±50.1 U/L). Five patients had sinus tachycardia on electrocardiogram. During the follow-up period, cardiac enzymes of all patients returned to normal levels. Seven patients were treated with steroids, bronchodilators, and humidified oxygen; 11 patients were treated with oxygen and bronchodilators; the remainders took oxygen alone.

Conclusion: We suggest that this study will contribute to raising awareness about chemicals that can produce toxic substances, as in our cases.

Keywords: Bleach, hydrochloric acid, chlorine gas, pediatric