central science

meta-apathy:

Chlorine, liquified under a pressure of 7.4 bar at room temperature, displayed in a quartz ampule embedded in acrylic glass.

Chlorine is a component of various compounds, including table salt. It is the second most abundant halogen and 21st most abundant chemical element in Earth’s crust. The great oxidizing potential of chlorine led it to its bleaching and disinfectant uses, as well as uses of an essential reagent in the chemical industry. 

Chlorine is a respiratory irritant that attacks mucous membranes and burns the skin. As little as 3.53 ppm (parts per million) can be detected as an odor, and 1000 ppm is likely to be fatal after a few deep breaths.