What are the primary toxic effects of chlorine?

The primary toxic effects of chlorine are as irritants. Chlorine gas is highly reactive and can cause significant irritation to the respiratory system, skin, and eyes upon exposure. When inhaled, chlorine can lead to symptoms such as coughing, throat irritation, and difficulty breathing, primarily due to its corrosive nature. The gas can react with moisture in the mucus membranes to form hydrochloric acid and hypochlorous acid, both of which contribute to the irritant effects on these tissues.

While some of the other options mentioned relate to potential health effects caused by various substances, they are not the primary concern in the context of chlorine exposure. Chlorine is not classified as a neurotoxin, meaning it does not primarily affect the nervous system in the same way that neurotoxic substances would. Likewise, while it can affect the skin, chlorine’s main hazardous effects are not as allergens but rather as irritants and corrosives. Corrosive agents are indeed relevant to chlorine, but the specific wording in the context of toxic effects aligns more closely with the notion of irritation experienced upon exposure. Thus, it is the irritative properties that are highlighted as the primary concern when it comes to chlorine toxicity.