:: What is Chlorine Dioxide::

The simple answer is: ClO2.
Chlorine dioxide is not another form of chlorine. We can draw an analogue to hydrogen and hydrogen cyanide, they are both gases, have the same first name, but completely different properties. So too with chlorine dioxide and chlorine, indeed one molecule does make a big difference!!!!!

Chlorine Dioxide is defined in the USA as having " no elemental free chlorine " hence it does not chlorinate . It is because of this fact and the amazing chemistry of chlorine dioxide that it is slowly becoming an important tool in disinfection and oxidation in the world to-day.
The physical and chemical properties of chlorine dioxide outline below will unravel its amazing capabilities.

1. chlorine dioxide does not dissociate in water.
   It stays as chlorine dioxide therefore its ability to operate as a disinfectant / sanitiser is independent of pH
   
   
2. chlorine dioxide is an oxidant with a low redox potential
   It has a redox potential of +0.96 mV compared to chlorine of +1.36 mV. There is no relationship between redox and disinfecting efficacy
   
   
3. chlorine dioxide has a few specific chemical reactions
   From this property a number of very interesting properties are derived:-
1. It has a very low toxicity rating, indeed some formulations have GRAS status. It is generally regarded as a " non - irritant "
2. It is not corrosive as a pure chlorine dioxide solution ( see “Comparison with other Chlorine Dioxide Generators”)
3. Its reactions are selective hence as an oxidant reagent consumption is maximised in the redox reaction not through side reactions.
   
   
4. chlorine dioxide has a very high efficacy against vegetative cells, for example, bacteria: fungi yeasts and molds}; viruses; algae; and protozoa. It has little to no effect on human, animal and fish cells
   [ It has been shown to have high efficacy against mollusks and acracides with unconfirmed reports suggesting some action against nematodes ].
   
   
5. from the above properties it is not surprising then to learn that " chlorine dioxide does not constitute a risk against the environment ".
   The Alliance for Environmental Technology (AET), is a group of 19 North American chemical manufacturers and forest product companies, established to promote proven and practical technologies to raise the environmental awareness has indicated that the " environmental risks [of a modern paper mill] using chlorine dioxide are INSIGNIFICANT. "
   
   

6. the low oxidation potential of chlorine dioxide means that it can penetrate biofilm and indeed chlorine dioxide has been proven as the MOST effective chemical against biofilm.
   This has now been recognized by numerous organisations eg. Institute of Food Technologists in their report entitled " Microbial Attechment and Biofilm formation-A Scientific Summary , July '94 Food Technology. It has been clinically demonstrated that the presence of biofilm is the critical step in the infection pathway of legionellosis. A simple and elegant solution is available in chlorine dioxide to overcome the problems related to having biofilm in a system. In terms of legionella control the singlest biggest problem is the formation of cysts, in the biofilm. Only chlorine dioxide and ozone have the capability of inactivating cysts!!!!. Pulse dosing of a disinfectant is about a 1000 times more effective for biofilm control than low level continuous dosing.                                                                                               {CAUTION, is advised when one is running a disinfection / sanitising programme during which one is eroding away the biofilm---- theory and practice are indeed different bed mates.}
   
   
   
7. a peer review paper by Dr Tanner has shown that OXINE FP ( chlorine dioxide ) is a factor lower in dosage for the same efficacy against bacteria and fungi when compared against any other standard disinfectant like chlorine, iodine, bromine, hydrogen peroxide, quaternary ammonium compounds (QUATS), glutraladehyde, phenolics and peroxyacetic acid formulations.
   
   
8. Finally, chlorine dioxide can be easily and accurately measured in the food plant, potable water plant and for environmental applications. No other disinfectant / oxidiser can make this claim hence chlorine dioxide can easily meet GMP, HACCP, SQF or any other quality food safety management system or environmental system for consistency of performance.
   
   

In conclusion, therefore we have a disinfectant / sanitiser which is an oxidant with few chemical reactions, no pH limitations, very low toxicity, worldwide approval for drinking water, very high efficacy against micro-organisms, has a strong and measurable residual. The product when applied at use concentration in water will not corrode equipment, will not produce an environment harmful to workers or consumers.

Benefits of Chlorine dioxide

• Does not form trihalomethanes (THM's)
• Is a powerful algicide, bactericide, protocide, viricide
• Does not chlorinate organics
• Readily dissolves in water and does not react with ammonia
• Does not react with water to form hypochlorus acid
• Does not react with water to form free chlorine
• Is less corrosive than chlorine
• Maintains efficacy across a broad pH range
• Provides a residual disinfectant level
• Earns increased CT Credits
• Approved by the EPA for drinking water disinfection
• Selective oxidation  reactions