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What Exactly is Chlorine Dioxide?

And How Does It Work?

Chlorine dioxide—not to be mistaken with chlorineis a yellowish-green gas that rapidly decomposes when in contact with the air but remains a true gas at room temperature and a dissolved gas in a solution. Due to its high reactivity and its ability to work under a wide pH range, it remains an extremely versatile chemical with powerful antimicrobial properties and deodorizing capabilities with just small quantities. This basically means that less is more when it comes to using chlorine dioxide in comparison to other similar types of disinfecting chemicals. You don't need much to pack a punch.

Its unstable nature typically requires it to be produced on-site at industrial facilities for immediate use under strict guidelines in order to avoid dangerous levels of exposure to the general public. But, with a considerable amount of research & design, we've now made this chemical available to the baseline consumer in a cosmetically elegant way, to be used within the home, public spaces, or wherever you are on a day-to-day basis.

How does it differ from chlorine?

Chlorine, sodium hypochlorite (bleach), and hypochlorous acid (EOW, elctrolyzed water) tend to generate cancer causing by-products such as THMs, HAAs, and chloramine after disinfection without the same effectiveness at killing pathogens as chlorine dioxide. Chlorine dioxide, especially at the level needed for effectiveness, produces fewer disinfecting byproducts (DBPs), and decomposes into chlorite, chlorate, and chloride—a human safe ion such as of that in table salt. (Note: chlorite and chlorate can pose health risks, however, at low and monitored chlorine dioxide concentrations, the levels are well within safety limits!)

Chlorine dioxide, in low concentrations, is harmless to humans while still capable of killing and inactivating viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens. It rapidly breaks down, long enough to inactivate the pathogenic material, but not long enough to penetrate deeply into living tissue. Basically, it's gentle but effective on the skin at the appropriate concentrations!

chlorine vs chlorine dioxide (typically in water treatment)

Chlorine

Advantages

  • Effective for most microorganisms
  • Keeps a residual in distribution system
  • Relatively easy to use in hypochlorite form

Disadvantages

  • Forms DBPs when organic substances are present
  • Not effective against Cryptosporidium
  • Can cause taste and odor problems

vs

Chlorine dioxide

Advantages

  • More effective than chlorine as a disinfectant against microorganisms
  • Controls taste and odor better than chlorine
  • Forms less THMs and HAAs than chlorine

Disadvantages

  • Traditionally must be produced on site
  • Forms chlorite and chlorate

Key features of CLo2

Effective at Killing all pathogens

  • Eliminate viruses (including coronavirus), bacteria (including superbugs), and fungi (mold/mildew) & spores
  • Kill time for a bacterium is on the order of milliseconds

Quick removal of odors, allergens, nicotine, biofilms, algae, and organic wastes

  • Hinder the growth of pathogens in wet environments
  • Improve air quality for healthier living

Safe on humans, pets, fish, and livestock

  • A WHO designated 4th generation disinfectant
  • US EPA, CDC, and FDA registered eco-friendly, highly efficacious disinfectant
  • Non-carcinogenic, non-teratogenic, and non-mutagenic

a deep dive into chlorine dioxide's applications in industrial settings

chlorine vs chlorine dioxide

Water Treatment

Food Processing

Disinfection of Airports

Agriculture

Industrial Facilities

Healthcare

Extra, extra! Read all about it!

Scientific journals, articles, and more resources to check out regarding chlorine dioxide & the latest developments in CLO2 knowledge and research as well as current nationwide health updates:

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