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Environmental Impact of Chlorine Dioxide

Chlorine dioxide can be identified as a yellow or reddish-yellow liquid or gas that is used to kill bacteria and fungi in drinking water and disinfect or bleach leather, textiles and wood pulp. The substance is known to have some adverse environmental and health effects.

Environmental Impact
- Chlorine dioxide is ranked in the top 10 percent of harmful chemicals. The substance has been found to harm all forms of life and disrupt ecosystems. Chlorine dioxide is released into streams from plants, which use it for disinfecting purposes. It breaks down very quickly in water but is still potentially deadly to aquatic organisms.
Health Effects
- Chlorine dioxide has been known to cause respiratory ailments in humans and animals. High levels of exposure causes irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. Death can result from prolonged exposure, which results in fluid build-up in the lungs.
Advantages
- According to ChlorDiSys, a chlorine dioxide manufacturer, chlorine dioxide is a much better alternative to regular chlorine water treatment in terms of environmental impact. The company claims that the EPA supports its use because is does not produce dioxins or contaminate organic material like the chlorine alternative.

Nature