Use of Chlorine dioxide in Crime scenes and Morgues
In laboratories, hospitals, and forensics, chlorine dioxide is the most commonly used disinfectant. It is a yellowish-green-colored gas, and due to the COVID outbreak, it has increased its use outside of the hospitals and labs. It is used in water treatment plants and many other industries.
When added to the water, it eliminates the harmful elements, bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Viruses present in the water are Giardia Lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum. These viruses and bacteria can cause several diseases if they are not correctly disposed of.
Now the professionals in the laboratories and forensics use it for disinfection of filthy crime scenes. It is also used in morgues to eliminate bacteria that would otherwise make a mortuary’s environment unbreathable.
For the process of disinfection, it dissolves the gas in the water. In liquid form, it can remove viruses, bacteria, and other parasites. Using chlorine dioxide for several makes it a dreamboat, among other chemicals. This powerful disinfectant is produced by sodium chlorate.
Bleach VS Chlorine Dioxide
The cleaning of the crime scene is not too simple as you are thinking. Most people believe that they can clean the violent accident place with bleach, but it does not work. Bleach can only clean superficial impurities and dirt, but the bacteria and various other spores can not be eliminated with bleach alone. The mess created by blood and biohazards can cause severe infection if not cleaned properly. Incorrect handling of the crime scene will lead you to fatal diseases.
That is precisely why a bactericidal agent must eradicate all kinds of bacterial and viral flora, that is the case with chlorine based disinfectants.
Crime Scene Cleanup Process and the role of chlorine dioxide:
The crime scene handling is quite simple for those who handle it professionally. Many professional crime scene cleanup workers clean it effectively. The crime scene technicians have proper training and certificates for this purpose. They will dispose of the biohazards and other harmful matters safely.
Chlorine dioxide based disinfectant:


Chlorine dioxide is a strong chemical that is used by professionals to clean the crime scene. It will kill all the bacteria and harmful agents at the trauma scene. The chlorine dioxide will make the bacteria less corrosive by its oxidation potential. It is a highly recommended chemical as a disinfectant of viruses and bacteria.
Biohazards Removal:
The place that is contaminated with blood should be cleaned immediately. For that purpose, the blood and other biohazards are removed by disinfection. The most common disinfectant used by professionals are:
- Chlorine Dioxide
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Sodium Hypochlorite
- Ethanol
Use of Chlorine dioxide in Mortuaries:
The environment of a morgue is adequately kept cleaned and bacteria-free with the help of chlorine dioxide. Its biocidal properties are utilized to clean exposed surfaces and the air in the mortuary. You would be surprised to know that it is also used in embalming. Before embalming a dead body, it is first cleaned thoroughly with ClO2 by flushing it in a solution, and then the other preservatives chemicals are applied.
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Use of Chlorine dioxide in Crime scenes