Is chlorine dioxide derived from the natural environment?
Chlorine dioxide is an artificially produced gas that does not exist in the natural environment. It is a strong oxidant. It has a strong adsorption and penetration capacities against cell walls of bacteria, viruses, molds and other microorganisms, and can effectively oxidize the cells enzymes, and rapid inhibition of protein synthesis to achieve antibacterial and bactericidal effects, and due to the absence of heavy metals, low residual toxicity, and volatile characteristics. Chlorine dioxide is a environmentally friendly green disinfectant for humans and animals, it is a legal cleaning agent for food and is also commonly used for tap water disinfection, it is also a legal detergent for food.
Chlorine dioxide is carcinogenic?
The use of bleach may produce carcinogens such as trihalomethanes (THMs). Because the use of chlorine dioxide against microorganisms is based on its oxidation property, therefore, it will not produce chlorinated disinfection by-products. The reaction of chlorine dioxide and water produces chlorite, which is not listed as a human carcinogen by the International Cancer Research Center and the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Properties of Chlorine dioxide
In addition to being water soluble, chlorine dioxide in gas form can diffuse in the air to oxidise viruses and disinfects surfaces of to achieve the function of preventing the spread of viruses. During the SARS period, the Peace Hospital in Taiwan also used chlorine dioxide for disinfection.
