What typically follows exposure to chlorine gas?

Exposure to chlorine gas typically leads to shortness of breath and coughing because it is a highly irritating substance that affects the respiratory system. Chlorine gas can cause damage to the mucous membranes and induce a strong inflammatory response, resulting in symptoms such as wheezing and difficulty breathing. As a result, individuals exposed to chlorine will often experience a sudden onset of these respiratory symptoms.

Skin irritation can occur, but it is not the most immediate or severe response to this type of exposure compared to respiratory distress. Immediate unconsciousness is rare and usually associated with extremely high concentrations of the gas, whereas cardiac arrest is a severe outcome that does not typically follow initial exposure. Hence, experiencing shortness of breath and coughing is the most common and expected reaction to chlorine gas exposure.