A common chemical found in industrial manufacturing, hydrogen chloride gas can be particularly harmful if it comes in contact with human skin. When combined with water, it turns into hydrochloric acid, which is highly corrosive. If its fumes are present in the air, workers might start choking, and it will irritate the skin as well. Obviously, it is important that hydrogen chloride gases be scrubbed from the air for workers' safety.
Hydrogen chloride gas is part of the manufacturing process in a variety of industries, and its liquid form, hydrochloric acid is widely used as well. The gas can be found at plants that make semiconductors or that purify silicon. It is used to process cotton and wool, and it is involved in making vinyl as well. The acid is used to refine ore, in the electroplating process and in the fertilizer industry.
