ACTIOJN^ AND USES OF CHLOEINE 239 



inhaled undiluted, it is an irritant to. the respiratory tract, 

 producing sometimes spasm of the glottis, or severe bron- 

 chitis, and at other times a condition of narcotism, with 

 death from paralysis of the respiratory center. In contact 

 with living tissues, chlorine replaces the hydrogen of proteid 

 compounds and forms hydrochloric acid with the hydrogen 

 thus set free. The symptoms of poisoning are explained by 

 the local irritation of the hydrochloric acid thus formed. In 

 dilute form it is stimulant, antiseptic, and deodorant in rela- 

 tion to the body. Chlorine gas may be generated from salt 

 and black oxide of manganese, 1 part each; with commercial 

 sulphuric acid and water, 2 parts each. 



The spores of most bacteria are killed after three hours' 

 exposure to a moist atmosphere containing 0.3 per cent, of 

 ■chlorine gas. Chlorine may be used to advantage in this 

 manner as a substitute for sulphur fumigation. Chlorine 

 water is employed, well diluted, for the same purposes and 

 with the same results as the solution of chlorinated soda. 

 Chlorinated lime varies much in strength. To be of any 

 Talue it should be so irritating to the eyes that it cannot be 

 held near the face. It owes its medicinal value to the 

 hypochlorite of lime which it contains. If the compound is 

 very moist, it is because calcium chloride preponderates. 

 Chlorinated lime is often employed as a deodorizer, standing 

 about premises in vessels, but is of no practical value unless 

 it comes directly in contact with bacteria or sulphureted 

 compounds which it is desirable to destroy. It is the best 

 and cheapest germ destroyer we possess for disinfecting 

 premises and other appurtenances, apart from the body, as 

 walls and floors of buildings, fsecal and other discharges, 

 sewers, privies and cesspools. A 10 per cent, solution is to 

 be employed on the floors, walls and other parts of buildings. 

 The pure compound may be mixed with manure and dis- 

 charges. Even a 1 per cent, solution is germicidal, and may 

 be employed to wash blankets, harness and other parapher- 

 nalia. It is said not to harm woolen or cotton fabrics, in 

 the latter solution. One or two pounds of chlorinated lime 

 is a useful disinfectant when put in privy vaults once a 



week. 



One or two ounces of chlorinated lime will render 

 drinkable 65 gallons of putrid, bad smelling water, after a 



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