Chlorine Dioxide (ClO2)
Introduction of chlorine dioxide (CIO2)
Chlorine dioxide (also called chlorine bioxide) is a yellow-green to reddish gas with a pungent smell similar to that of nitric acid. One of the various known oxides of chlorine, it becomes a liquid at temperatures below 11 degrees - it is also soluble in water. Chlorine dioxide is a very powerful oxidiser and is never used in its pure state.
Professional use of chlorine dioxide
he chemical properties of chlorine dioxide (CI02) are used for several professional applications:
- Whitening of paper pulp, textile fibres and fabrics
- Treatment of food flour (whitening)
- Water disinfection (treatment of waste water, swimming pools, drinking water distribution, etc)
- Leather cleaning
Risks of chlorine dioxide
Chlorine dioxide is a toxic gas when inhaled and with oral exposure which can be fatal in case of acute exposure. It contains a pressurised gas and can explode in contact with heat (and with or without contact with air) and is very flammable.
Effects on the body
Severe irritation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract which can be fatal
Skin burns, severe irritation of the eyes and significant ocular lesions
