Year: 2026 | Month: May | Volume: 16 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 203-208
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20260523
Acute Accidental Chlorine Gas Exposure in Yadavagiri, Mysuru: A Cross-Sectional Study
Shradha P S1, Mudassir Azeez Khan2, Rachana K Nair3, Saad Mudassir Khan4
1Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, KVG Medical College and Hospital, Sullia.
2Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, Mysuru.
3Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore.
42nd Year, Pre University, Base PU College, Mysuru.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Shradha P S
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Chlorine is a widely used industrial chemical that may cause significant toxicity when released into the environment. Exposure risk depends on proximity to the source and may occur via inhalation, skin, or ocular contact. On March 7, 2022, a chlorine gas leak occurred in Yadavagiri, Mysuru, leading to acute health effects among nearby residents.
Objectives: To assess the health effects of chlorine gas exposure among residents affected by the Yadavagiri gas leak incident.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals exposed to the chlorine gas leak. Participants were recruited using a snowball sampling technique. A total of 29 victims were interviewed using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Clinical data were also extracted from hospital records of patients admitted to a tertiary care centre following exposure. Data was entered in Microsoft Excel and analysed using appropriate statistical methods.
Results: Out of the 29 victims, 21 (72.41%) had cough, 16 (55.17%) suffered from breathlessness. Other symptoms included throat irritation, blurring of vision, giddiness and vomiting. The systemic examination revealed rhonchi 1(3.4%) and tachycardia 16(55.17%). All the victims who were admitted were given oxygen supplementation, antibiotics and corticosteroids.
Conclusion: Although chlorine gas exposure in residential areas is uncommon, such incidents can lead to significant acute morbidity. Prompt emergency response, proper training of personnel handling hazardous substances, and community awareness regarding emergency preparedness are essential to mitigate health impacts.
Key words: Chlorine; exposure; dyspnoea; accidental