Chlorine Dioxide – Discovery & History:

Chlorine Dioxide, a molecule consisting of just one chlorine and two oxygen atoms, was first discovered by Sir Humphrey Davies in 1811. For nearly 140 years, little was done to explore or employ this discovery into any form outside of the laboratory.

Then, in 1944, out of measure of some desperation, Niagra Fall, NY had an onsite chemical generator installed to address a serious problem with the odor and taste of their water after purification by means of their previous chlorine (only) treatment program. The results were amazing. Within 30 years, another 3000 facilities had converted to this superior biocidal system for water treatment. Soon after, the Pulp & Paper industry converted their processes to include Chlorine Dioxide and ClO2 became an alternative for large scale food processing sanitation.

Molecular Characteristics:

Chlorine Dioxide is a gas, and remains such at all temperatures over 51oF. Even when added to water, it does not hydrolyze – but remains a gas, and it is 10 times more soluble in water than straight chlorine. This means that may be effectively delivered by water, but it far more stable and effective than other forms of disinfectant. We will speak more to this later.

“The Perfect Biocide”:

In the beginning, ClO2 could only be either generated onsite (with massive equipment and hazardous chemicals) or delivered in bulk totes – an expensive and dangerous proposition in 3000 and higher concentrations. Now, be it through onsite generation through liquids, powders or tablets, the majority of the safety concerns have been addressed. Furthermore, being the ONLY singular chemistry able to sanitize WATER, AIR and SURFACES, the World Health Organization (WHO) has deemed it the “Perfect Biocide”.