Page 23 - Alpha Tech Pet, Inc. - Distributor Support Binder (April 2013)

CHLORINE DIOXIDE (ClO2 )
 Though it has Chlorine in its name, the chemistry of ClO2 is radically different from that
of Chlorine.
 ClO2 is generally accepted to be more powerful, easier to use, and more environmentally
friendly than equivalent Chlorine treatments.
 ClO2 is less corrosive than Chlorine and almost negligible at use concentrations.
 As an electron receiver, ClO2 is an oxidizer. However ClO2 has the ability to absorb 5
electrons whereas Chlorine can only absorb 2 electrons. This makes Chlorine Dioxide
chemically 2.5 times more active than Chlorine. Unlike other disinfectants acting
dominantly on cell walls, ClO2 penetrates into cells, displaying a high affinity for sulfur
and hydrogen bonds of proteins destroying the organisms. In addition ClO2 reacts
directly with the amino acids and RNA of a cell, killing microorganisms even when they
are inactive.
 ClO2 is effective against Giardia and Cryptosporidium oocysts, and all bacteria, viruses
and spore formers at 0.1 ppm to 100 ppm. It is effective against anthrax at 20 ppm.
 ClO2 has a neutral pH.
 Biocidal properties are not influenced by pH. As a result ClO2 rapidly inactivates most
microorganisms over a wide pH range.
 Many researchers have cited the excellent biofilm removing properties of ClO2. Chlorine
Dioxide effectively penetrates and disperses the “polysaccharide glue” of biofilm. By
effectively killing and stripping off biofilm, bacteria are much slower to reestablish than
when biofilm is left intact. This is something most other disinfectants have particular
problems doing!
 Unlike Chlorine, ClO2 will not adversely react with organic compounds and as a result
ClO2 does not produce unwanted carcinogenic chlorinated volatile organic compounds
(VOC) and trihalomines. In fact, instead of combining with the aromatic rings of organic
compounds, ClO 2 actually breaks these rings apart reducing levels of chlorinated
organics. This makes ClO2 use environmentally sparing! Also, because ClO2 does not
react or combine with organic compounds, much more of it remains available as a
biocidal agent.
 ClO2 can be used for odor control and air disinfection, and was the principal agent used
in the decontamination of buildings in the United States after the 2001 anthrax attacks.
 ClO2 is highly soluble in H2O, in fact it is 10 times more soluble than Chlorine, i.e., ClO2
loves and looks for water/moisture. In neutral or near neutral solutions (4< pH <10)
chlorine dioxide is relatively stable and exists as a free radical in water.
 ClO2 generation forms byproducts of chlorite and chlorate, decomposes in sunlight and is
highly biodegrabable.