Abstract

Chlorine-containing bleach, as a common disinfectant, can cause mild to severe symptoms from nasal irritation to life-threatening conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, the toxicity level of chlorine gas depends on the duration and concentration of exposure. Herein, we describe the case of a 44-year-old man admitted to the emergency department with a chief complaint of severe shortness of breathing and hemoptysis following accidental, short-time exposure to chlorine-containing bleach. Because of the life-threatening condition, he was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and received mechanical ventilation along with a corticosteroid agent and antibiotic therapy. Despite limited data on management of the severe complications of the exposure, the patient successfully recovered after four days. © 2021 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.