Chlorine dioxide - ClO2
Chlorine dioxide - ClO2
This page brings together the main information on chlorine dioxide or " chlorine dioxide " ( ClO2 ), its physical characteristics, its effects on health, the means of detecting it (ClO2 gas detector) as well as the appropriate respiratory protection equipment (gas mask or assisted ventilation device with type B anti-gas filter ).
Main characteristics of chlorine dioxide (ClO2)
Chlorine dioxide (ClO2 ) is a gas of exclusively anthropogenic origin, which means that it is not found in nature. This synthetic product is widely used in bleaching processes (paper pulp, flour, textiles) and leather cleaning. It is also found in many industries, for its biocidal and disinfectant properties, such as wastewater treatment plants, the pharmaceutical and food industries.
Health effects of chlorine dioxide
Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) is a reddish-orange to greenish-orange gas with an irritating odor similar to chlorine compounds. Inexplosive in the dark, it becomes unstable in the light and can form explosive mixtures under the effect of sunlight or rapid heating (R6). Extremely toxic by inhalation (R26), it can cause burns (R34). Soluble in water, it can form hydrochloric acid, which is very corrosive and harmful to the environment (R50).
ClO2 (Chlorine Dioxide) Gas Detector
Despite its color and irritating odor, only a ClO2 gas detector can accurately measure the concentrations of this gas. Although explosive at 5.1% volume, an explosiveness measurement is useless with this highly toxic gas, so we will move towards detecting chlorine dioxide in ppm, or even ppb.
Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) respiratory protection
Chlorine dioxide is very irritating to the eyes, so you should use a full-face mask for short-term interventions or a powered ventilation device (more comfortable) with type B anti-gas filters. If the concentrations exceed 60 times the VLEP, an isolating breathing apparatus will be essential.