Abstract

A REVIEW OF CHLORINE DIOXIDE: EFFICACY, APPLICATIONS AND HEALTH IMPLICATION IN DISINFECTION

Yeshwanth Kamalakannan* 

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Abstract

A potent, all-purpose antibacterial, chlorine dioxide (ClO2) is used extensively in water treatment, sterilisation, and disinfection. It is becoming a more alluring substitute for conventional disinfectants due to its special qualities, which include great stability at low doses and the lack of harmful byproducts. It is used in a variety of industries, including as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and food safety, due to its efficaciousness in targeting bacteria, viruses, fungus, and other pathogens. It involves its oxidative characteristics, which cause cellular death by damaging the proteins, enzymes, and cell membranes that make up microorganisms. ClO2 is a multipurpose disinfectant because of its ability to disrupt both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. The safety profile of chlorine dioxide is further improved by the fact that it does not generate hazardous chlorinated byproducts as chlorine does. Chlorine dioxide has several benefits over conventional sterilising agents like hydrogen peroxide and chlorine. It does not damage surfaces or materials, has no residual toxicity, and is quite effective at low doses. Furthermore, even when organic matter is present, it may penetrate biofilms and offer persistent disinfection. In addition to being environmentally benign, chlorine dioxide decomposes into non-toxic byproducts, making it appropriate for usage in delicate settings like hospitals and pharmaceutical production plants. Because of its many advantages, chlorine dioxide is a promising substitute for traditional disinfectants. Future project will investigate its potential in a new aerial sterilisation technique, which will enhance air-based disinfection in medical and pharmaceutical conditions.

Keywords: Chlorine dioxide, Sterilisation, disinfection, Industries, Chlorine.