Chlorine is a vital mineral that plays a key role in maintaining fluid balance and the production of gastric acid in the human body.
It is necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system and muscles.
Chlorine plays a key role in maintaining osmotic balance and the production of gastric acid.
This element helps cells efficiently exchange oxygen and is involved in regulating acid-base balance.
A deficiency of chlorine can lead to disruptions in functions such as digestion and respiration, while an excess can have negative consequences for blood pressure and fluid volume in the body.
Daily Requirement and Sources
The daily requirement for chlorine for an adult is about 2300-3600 mg.
Sources of chlorine include foods such as table salt (sodium chloride), olives, tomatoes, celery, and seafood.
Most of the chlorine consumed enters the body as part of table salt.
Health Consequences of Deficiency
A deficiency of chlorine in the human body is rare but possible. It can occur as a result of excessive sweating, prolonged vomiting, or diarrhea.
Chlorine deficiency can lead to metabolic alkalosis, kidney dysfunction, and loss of appetite.
Possible Risks of Excessive Intake
An excess of chlorine in the human body can lead to a number of undesirable consequences. Its surplus can cause a condition known as hyperchloremia.
Hyperchloremia may manifest as disorientation, high blood pressure, seizures, or risk of dehydration.
Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of chlorine increases the burden on the kidneys, which can contribute to the development of kidney failure.
Interesting Facts about Chlorine
Discovered in 1774. Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele first isolated chlorine by obtaining it from hydrochloric acid and manganese dioxide.
The name comes from the Greek word “chloros”. It translates to “green”, which is associated with the greenish color of the gas.
Common element on Earth. It ranks 17th in abundance in the Earth’s crust and 3rd in the oceans, where it primarily occurs as salts.
Strong oxidizer. This makes it useful in the chemical industry for producing various compounds, including plastics and solvents.
Table salt. Chlorine is present in table salt as an ion, and without it, our lives would be impossible.
Plastic production. It is a key component in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), widely used in construction and packaging.
Necessary for photosynthesis. It is involved in the process that allows plants to convert sunlight into chemical energy.
One of the few elements that has a gaseous form at room temperature. It easily transitions to gas and forms a yellow-green cloud.
Some forms of chlorine are solid substances. While chlorine is usually gaseous, its compounds can be solid, such as calcium chloride.
In seawater. Ocean water contains a large amount of chlorine in the form of sodium chloride, which gives it a salty taste.