Chlorine Dioxide - Interesting Facts and Uses
In terms of chlorine-based biocides, chlorine dioxide is environmentally favorable, non-perilous, and more effective. Due to its advantages, chlorine dioxide is now an integral part of many industries such as healthcare, food, agriculture, water treatment, and building services.
Sir Humphrey Davy discovered chlorine dioxide in 1814. It was produced by using sulphuric acid and potassium chlorate. Nowadays, large quantities of chlorine dioxide are produced in the industry by the reaction of hypochlorous acid and potassium chlorate
Can chlorine dioxide be used for treating illnesses or diseases?
No research data has shown the effectiveness and use of chlorine dioxide in the treatment of different medical conditions such as hepatitis viruses, cancer, HIV, malaria, common cold, and autism. However, the consumption of chlorine dioxide solution can lead to severe dehydration diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Sanitization action of Chlorine Dioxide
In various industries including medical industries, chlorine dioxide has been extensively used as a disinfectant due to its strong disinfectant action. It acts by inhibiting protein synthesis and disrupting cell membranes. Gas and aqueous forms are used for disinfecting purposes.
In different aqueous concentrations, chlorine dioxide is widely used as a sanitizer. Chlorine dioxide is also used as sporicidal in the 10 to 40 mg l-1 range for different surfaces including glass, metals, and plastics.
Antimicrobial activity of Chlorine dioxide
EPA registered chlorine dioxide due to its excellent fungicide, bactericide, and antimicrobial activity. It fulfils the strict DIS/TISS guidelines of the EPA for use as a disinfectant. Chlorine dioxide and sodium chlorite are both approved by the FDA and the U.S Department of Agriculture in controlling bacteria and mold or to sanitize in food processing.
Chlorine dioxide for hospital sterilization
Chlorine dioxide gas serves to sterilize surgical and laboratory devices, surfaces, rooms, and instruments in hospitals and other healthcare settings. Researchers also showed that chlorine dioxide is both safe and effective at sufficient concentrations that assist to kill Legionella bacteria in hospital settings. A deadly form of pneumonia called Legionnaires’ disease is caused by the bacteria Legionella pneumonia.
Wound healing properties of Chlorine dioxide
Medical chlorine dioxide solution is a disinfectant that can be used to disinfect wounds, and it may be even better than normal saline.
Use of Chlorine dioxide in Oral and Dental Health
Research studies show that the presence of chlorine dioxide in mouthwash can reduce bad breath. 0.1% of chlorine dioxide is used for bad breath. Our saliva contains bacteria called Fusobacterium nucleatum which is responsible for gum disease. Mouthwash containing chlorine dioxide is effective against bacteria and also reduces plaque.
The activity of chlorine dioxide and chlorhexidine is almost the same. Both types of mouthwash can effectively remove plaque. The use of chlorine dioxide is also helpful for teeth whitening. However, long-term exposure may harm teeth due to chlorine dioxide’s low pH.
Due to its antimicrobial activity, 5% chlorine dioxide can be used to clean the mouth during a root canal. Mouthwashes of chlorine dioxide are available in stores. Take extra caution not to drink the solution if you use one since the chlorine dioxide content in mouthwashes is much greater than the acceptable intake threshold.
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Chlorine Dioxide – Interesting Facts and Uses
Chlorine Dioxide – Interesting Facts and Uses
Chlorine Dioxide – Interesting Facts and Uses
