Chlorine gas exposure primarily affects which body system?

• A. Digestive
• B. Respiratory
• C. Nervous
• D. Integumentary

Answer: (B)

Chlorine gas exposure primarily challenges the respiratory system because inhalation irritates the airway mucosa and causes direct chemical injury to the lungs. When chlorine gas is inhaled, it reacts with water in the airway to form acids that damage the respiratory epithelium, leading to inflammation, bronchospasm, edema, and potentially chemical pneumonitis or pulmonary edema. This explains why symptoms are dominated by coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing, and possibly rapid breathing or altered oxygenation. Management focuses on supporting the airway and oxygenation—providing humidified oxygen, using bronchodilators as needed, and monitoring for respiratory deterioration. Skin or eye exposure can occur with contact, but the most immediate and significant effects from inhalation are on the respiratory system.