What happens to chlorine when it enters the environment?
• When released to air, chlorine will react with water to form hypochlorous acid and hydrochloric acid, which are removed from the atmosphere by rainfall. • Chlorine is slightly soluble in water. It reacts with water to form hypochlorous acid and hydrochloric acid. The hypochlorous acid breaks down rapidly. The hydrochloric acid also breaks down; its breakdown products will lower the pH of the water (makes it more acidic). • Since chlorine is a gas it is rarely found in soil. If released to soil, chlorine will react with moisture forming hypochlorous acid and hydrochloric acid. These compounds can react with other substances found in soil. • Chlorine does not accumulate in the food chain.
• Chlorine is very unstable and reacts with a variety of chemicals and water when it is released into the environment. • Chlorine is broken down by sunlight within a matter of several minutes. • Chlorine dissolves in water and is converted into chloride and hypochlorous acid. • If chlorine is spilled into water or onto soil or if it is released from a tank into the air, the chlorine will evaporate very quickly forming a greenish-yellow cloud that is heavier than air and can be carried by the wind several miles from the source.
