Skip directly to search Skip directly to A to Z list Skip directly to navigation Skip directly to page options Skip directly to site content

Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS)

Chlorine

RTECS #

FO2100000

CAS #

7782-50-5

Updated

September 201

Molecular Weight

70.90

Molecular Formula

Cl2

Synonyms

Bertholite
Chloor (Dutch)
Chlor (German)
Chlore (French)
Chlorinated water
Chlorine (ACGIH:OSHA)
Chlorine mol.
Cloro (Italian)
Molecular chlorine

Mutation Data and Reference

System TestRoute/Organism/TissueDoseReference
Cytogenetic Analysislymphocyte/human20 ppmCBINA8 6,375,1973
mutation in microorganisms/Salmonella typhimurium1800 µg/L (-enzymatic activation step)OZSEDS 8,217,1986
sperm morphologyoral/mouse20 mg/kg/5D-continuousENMUDM 7,201,1985

Reproductive Effects Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
oral/rat 565 mg/kg (8W male/2W pre-3W after birth)Reproductive: Effects on newborn: Biochemical and metabolicTJADAB 35,43A,1987

Tumorigenic Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
inhalation/monkey lowest published toxic concentration: 2300 ppb/6H/1Y- intermittentTumorigenic: Neoplastic by RTECS criteria

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Tumors		NTIS** OTS0571476
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 5047 mg/kg/103W- continuousTumorigenic: Equivocal tumorigenic agent by RTECS criteria

Blood: Leukemia		NTIS** PB92-191659
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 5096 mg/kg/2Y- continuousTumorigenic: Equivocal tumorigenic agent by RTECS criteria

Blood: Leukemia		NTPTR* NTP-TR-392,1992

Acute Toxicity Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
inhalation/cat lowest published toxic concentration: 870 mg/m3/1HLung, Thorax, or Respiration: Acute pulmonary edema

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory obstruction

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Body temperature decrease		VCVN5* -,373,1989
inhalation/cat lowest published toxic concentration: 29 mg/m3Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Acute pulmonary edema

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Body temperature decrease		VCVN5* -,373,1989
inhalation/Dog Lowest published lethal concentration: 800 ppm/30MBehavioral: Muscle weakness

Gastrointestinal: Nausea or vomiting

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Dyspnea		JPETAB 14,65,1919
inhalation/Dog lowest published toxic concentration: 145 mg/m3/30MLung, Thorax, or Respiration: Acute pulmonary edema

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory obstruction

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Body temperature decrease		VCVN5* -,373,1989
inhalation/domestic animal lowest published toxic concentration: 60 ppm/30MLung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes

Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Multiple enzyme effects		TOXID9 12,404,2008
inhalation/domestic animal lowest published toxic concentration: 90 ppm/30MCardiac: Other changes

Liver: Other changes

Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Multiple enzyme effects		TOXID9 12,404,2008
inhalation/guinea pig Lowest published lethal concentration: 3200 ppm/3HAHYGAJ 7,231,1887
inhalation/guinea pig lowest published toxic concentration: 870 mg/m3/1HLung, Thorax, or Respiration: Acute pulmonary edema

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory obstruction

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Body temperature decrease		VCVN5* -,373,1989
inhalation/guinea pig lowest published toxic concentration: 29 mg/m3Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Acute pulmonary edema

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Body temperature decrease		VCVN5* -,373,1989
inhalation/horse, donkey Lowest published lethal concentration: 2900 mg/m3/35MLung, Thorax, or Respiration: Emphysema

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Acute pulmonary edema

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Body temperature decrease		VCVN5* -,373,1989
inhalation/human Lowest published lethal concentration: 2900 mg/m3/5MVCVN5* -,373,1989
inhalation/human Lowest published lethal concentration: 100 mg/m3/30MVCVN5* -,373,1989
inhalation/human lowest published toxic concentration: 0.9 mg/m3Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: CoughVCVN5* -,373,1989
inhalation/human lowest published toxic concentration: 500 ppb/2D- intermittentBehavioral: ToleranceJAPYAA 54,1120,1983
inhalation/human Lowest published lethal concentration: 2530 mg/m3/30MLung, Thorax, or Respiration: Structural or functional change in trachea or bronchi

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Emphysema

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Chronic pulmonary edema or congestion		28ZOAH -,150,1937
inhalation/human Lowest published lethal concentration: 500 ppm/5MTABIA2 3,231,1933
inhalation/human lowest published toxic concentration: 66 ppm/1HBehavioral: Headache

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Cough

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Dyspnea		DICYE7 4,28,1988
inhalation/mammal (species unspecified) Lowest published lethal concentration: 500 ppm/5MAEPPAE 138,65,1928
inhalation/mouse Lowest published lethal concentration: 1100 mg/m3/10MLung, Thorax, or Respiration: Emphysema

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Acute pulmonary edema

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Body temperature decrease		VCVN5* -,373,1989
inhalation/mouse lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 368 mg/m3/30MLung, Thorax, or Respiration: Emphysema

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Acute pulmonary edema

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Body temperature decrease		VCVN5* -,373,1989
inhalation/mouse lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 137 ppm/1HAMRL** TR-72-62,1972
inhalation/mouse lowest published toxic concentration: 0.6 ppm/15MOlfaction: Other olfaction effects

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory obstruction

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory stimulation		TOXID9 78,439,2004
inhalation/rabbit lowest published toxic concentration: 29 mg/m3Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Acute pulmonary edema

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Body temperature decrease		VCVN5* -,373,1989
inhalation/rabbit lowest published toxic concentration: 870 mg/m3/1HLung, Thorax, or Respiration: Acute pulmonary edema

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Respiratory obstruction

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Body temperature decrease		VCVN5* -,373,1989
inhalation/rat lethal concentration (50 percent kill): 293 ppm/1HAMRL** TR-72-62,1972
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 3 mg/m3Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain

Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Multiple enzyme effects		VCVN5* -,375,1989
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 10 mg/m3Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: CoughVCVN5* -,375,1989
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic dose: 1330 ppm/15MLung, Thorax, or Respiration: Fibrosis (interstitial)

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Acute pulmonary edema

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Pleural thickening		INHTE5 16,911,2004
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 1330 ppm/15MLung, Thorax, or Respiration: Fibrosis (interstitial)

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Acute pulmonary edema

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Pleural thickening		INHTE5 16,911,2004
oral/human lowest published toxic dose: 2.9 mg/kgSkin: After topical application: Primary irritationVCVN5* -,374,1989

Other Multiple Dose Data and References

Route/OrganismDoseEffectReference
inhalation/monkey lowest published toxic concentration: 2300 ppb/6H/1Y- intermittentOlfaction: Other olfaction effects

Eye: Conjunctiva irritation

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes		FAATDF 9,557,1987
inhalation/mouse lowest published toxic concentration: 9100 ppb/6H/5D- intermittentOlfaction: Other olfaction effects

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Structural or functional change in trachea or bronchi

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain		TXAPA9 71,225,1983
inhalation/mouse lowest published toxic concentration: 400 ppb/6H/2Y- intermittentOlfaction: Other olfaction effectsNTIS** OTS0538318
inhalation/rabbit lowest published toxic concentration: 1.7 mg/m3/5H/38W- intermittentLung, Thorax, or Respiration: Emphysema

Liver: Other changes

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain		VCVN5* -,375,1989
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 3 mg/m3/24H/5D- continuousNutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain

Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Multiple enzyme effects		VCVN5* -,375,1989
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 10 mg/m3/24H/5D- continuousLung, Thorax, or Respiration: CoughVCVN5* -,375,1989
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 26 mg/m3/6H/6W- intermittentLung, Thorax, or Respiration: Structural or functional change in trachea or bronchiVCVN5* -,375,1989
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 2.9 mg/m3/6H/6W- intermittentOlfaction: Other olfaction effectsVCVN5* -,375,1989
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 9100 ppb/6H/5D- intermittentOlfaction: Other olfaction effects

Lung, Thorax, or Respiration: Structural or functional change in trachea or bronchi

Nutritional and Gross Metabolic: Weight loss or decreased weight gain		TXAPA9 71,225,1983
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 400 ppb/6H/2Y- intermittentOlfaction: Other olfaction effectsNTIS** OTS0538318
inhalation/rat lowest published toxic concentration: 9 ppm/6H/6W- intermittentKidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Other changes

Blood: Changes in leukocyte (WBC) count

Biochemical: Enzyme inhibition, induction, or change in blood or tissue levels: Phosphatases		TXAPA9 49,77,1979
oral/mouse lowest published toxic dose: 153 gm/kg/73W- continuousCardiac: Changes in heart weight

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Changes in bladder weight

Related to Chronic Data: Changes in ovarian weight		FCTOD7 21,435,1983
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 7568 mg/kg/28D- continuousBehavioral: Food intake (animal)

Liver: Changes in liver weight

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Changes in bladder weight		FCTOD7 21,423,1983
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 42 gm/kg/2W- continuousBrain and Coverings: Changes in brain weight

Liver: Changes in liver weight

Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder: Changes in bladder weight		JTEHD6 2,1161,1977
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 3312 mg/kg/92D- continuousBlood: Change in clotting factorsJTEHD6 20,401,1987
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 109 gm/kg/2Y- continuousEndocrine: Changes in spleen weight

Blood: Changes in other cell count (unspecified)

Biochemical: Metabolism (intermediary): Plasma proteins not involving coagulation		FCTOD7 21,427,1983
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 136.5 mg/kg/13W- continuousLung, Thorax, or Respiration: Other changes

Liver: Other changes		VCVN5* -,375,1989
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 36.2 gm/kg/69W- continuousBlood: Normocytic anemiaVCVN5* -,375,1989
oral/rat lowest published toxic dose: 30.2 gm/kg/69W- continuousBlood: Changes in platelet countVCVN5* -,375,1989

Reviews

OrganizationStandardReference
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)Threshold Limit Value-time-weighted average 0.5 ppm;short term exposure limit 1 ppmDTLVS* TLV/BEI,2013
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)Threshold Limit Value-Not classifiable as a human carcinogenDTLVS* TLV/BEI,2013
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWCPEMM* 3,239,2002
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWCHHSA* 9,24,2002
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWDIMON* 46,551,2000
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWENTOX* -,553,2005
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWHUTOX* -,661,1996
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWHUTOX* -,671,1996
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWHUTOX* -,683,1996
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWHTCWA* 2,313,
TOXICOLOGY REVIEWCCACL* 21,719,2005

Standards and Regulations

OrganizationStandardReference
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) 1988 PESTICIDE SUBJECT TO REGISTRATION OR RE-REGISTRATIONFEREAC 54,7740,1989
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) 1998 STATUS OF PESTICIDESRED CompletedRBREV* -,301,1998
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) STANDARD-airtime-weighted average 1 ppm (3 mg/m3)DTLVS* 3,46,1971
Occupational Exposure Limit IN ARGENTINA, BULGARIA, COLOMBIA, JORDAN check ACGIH TLV;
Occupational Exposure Limit IN SINGAPORE, VIETNAM check ACGIH TLV
Occupational Exposure Limit-ARAB Republic of Egypttime-weighted average 1 ppm (3 mg/m3), JAN1993
Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRALIAceiling concentration 1 ppm (3 mg/m3), JUL2008
Occupational Exposure Limit-AUSTRIAMAK-KZW 0.5 ppm (1.5 mg/m3), 2007
Occupational Exposure Limit-BELGIUMshort term exposure limit 0.5 ppm (1.5 mg/m3), MAR2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-DENMARKtime-weighted average 0.5 ppm (1.5 mg/m3), MAY2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-ECshort term exposure limit 1.5 mg/m3 (0.5 ppm), FEB2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-FINLANDshort term exposure limit 0.5 ppm (1.5 mg/m3), NOV2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-FRANCEVLE 1 ppm (3 mg/m3), FEB2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-GERMANYMAK 0.5 ppm (1.5 mg/m3), 2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-HUNGARYtime-weighted average 1.5 mg/m3, short term exposure limit 1.5 mg/m3, SEP2000
Occupational Exposure Limit-ICELANDshort term exposure limit 0.5 ppm (1.5 mg/m3), NOV2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-INDIAtime-weighted average 1 ppm (3 mg/m3), short term exposure limit 3 ppm (9 mg/m3), JAN1993
Occupational Exposure Limit-JAPANceiling concentration 0.5 ppm (1.5 mg/m3), MAY2012
Occupational Exposure Limit-KOREAtime-weighted average 1 ppm (3 mg/m3), short term exposure limit 3 ppm (9 mg/m3), 2006
Occupational Exposure Limit-MEXICOtime-weighted average 1 ppm (3 mg/m3);short term exposure limit 3 ppm (9 mg/m3), 2004
Occupational Exposure Limit-NEW ZEALANDtime-weighted average 0.5 ppm (1.5 mg/m3); short term exposure limit 1 ppm (2.9 mg/m3), JAN2002
Occupational Exposure Limit-NORWAYtime-weighted average 0.5 ppm (1.5 mg/m3), JAN1999
Occupational Exposure Limit-PERUtime-weighted average 0.5 ppm (1.45 mg/m3); short term exposure limit 1 ppm (3 mg/m3), JUL2005
Occupational Exposure Limit-POLANDMAC(time-weighted average) 1.5 mg/m3, short term exposure limit 9 mg/m3, JAN1999
Occupational Exposure Limit-RUSSIAshort term exposure limit 1 mg/m3, Skin, JUN2003
Occupational Exposure Limit-SWEDENtime-weighted average 0.5 ppm (1.5 mg/m3), ceiling concentration 1 ppm (3 mg/m3), JUN2005
Occupational Exposure Limit-SWITZERLANDceiling concentration 0.5 ppm (1.5 mg/m3), JAN2011
Occupational Exposure Limit-THAILANDtime-weighted average 1 ppm (3 mg/m3), JAN1993
Occupational Exposure Limit-THE NETHERLANDSMAC-C 3 mg/m3, 2003
Occupational Exposure Limit-THE PHILIPPINEStime-weighted average 1 ppm (3 mg/m3), JAN1993
Occupational Exposure Limit-TURKEYtime-weighted average 1 ppm (3 mg/m3), JAN1993
Occupational Exposure Limit-UNITED KINGDOMshort term exposure limit 0.5 ppm (1.5 mg/m3), OCT2007
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Construction)ceiling concentration 1 ppm (3 mg/m3)CFRGBR 29,1926.55,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Federal Contractors)ceiling concentration 1 ppm (3 mg/m3)CFRGBR 41,50-204.50,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (General Industry)ceiling concentration 1 ppm (3 mg/m3)CFRGBR 29,1910.1000,1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (Shipyards)ceiling concentration 1 ppm (3 mg/m3)CFRGBR 29,1915.1000,1993

NIOSH Documentation and Surveillance

OrganizationStandardReference
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Level TO CHLORINE-air10H time-weighted average 0.5 ppm;short term exposure limit 1 ppmNIOSH* DHHS #92-100,1992
National Occupational Exposure Survey 1983Hazard Code X9656; Number of Industries 3; Total Number of Facilities 338; Number of Occupations 6; Total Number of Employees Exposed 4768; Total Number of Female Employees Exposed 1862
National Occupational Exposure Survey 1983Hazard Code 18040; Number of Industries 70; Total Number of Facilities 5343; Number of Occupations 75; Total Number of Employees Exposed 178105; Total Number of Female Employees Exposed 20221
National Occupational Hazard Survey 1974Hazard Code 18040; Number of Industries 169; Total Number of Facilities 21429; Number of Occupations 86; Total Number of Employees Exposed 220544

Status in Federal Agencies

OrganizationReference
EPA TSCA Section 8(b) CHEMICAL INVENTORY
EPA TSCA Section 8(d) unpublished health/safety studies
EPA TSCA TEST SUBMISSION (TSCATS) DATA BASE, JANUARY 2001
NCI Carcinogenesis Studies (water);equivocal evidence:rat
NCI Carcinogenesis Studies (water);no evidence:mouse
NIOSH Analytical Method, 1994: Bromine and chlorine, 6011
On EPA IRIS database
OSHA ANALYTICAL METHOD #ID-101

Follow NIOSH

NIOSH Homepage

TOP