CHLORINE DIOXIDE: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

Overview

Chlorine dioxide is a gas used in very small quantities to disinfect water. It is a disinfectant similar to bleach and is unsafe when used in large amounts.

Chlorine dioxide kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Very small amounts are used in public water treatment facilities. At high doses, it can damage red blood cells and the lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Some people swish and spit mouthwash solutions containing small amounts of chlorine dioxide for bad breath, tooth plaque, and wound healing, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using chlorine dioxide for COVID-19.

The US FDA has warned consumers to avoid chlorine dioxide supplement products due to the risk for serious safety issues and death. These products often list another ingredient on the label called sodium chlorite and are marketed under names like Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS), Master Mineral Solution, and Miracle Mineral Supplement.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • Bad breath. Rinsing with a mouthwash containing 0.1% chlorine dioxide seems to improve bad breath.

There is interest in using chlorine dioxide for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Chlorine dioxide is likely unsafe. While chlorine dioxide is safely used to disinfect drinking water, it is used in extremely small amounts. The doses used in supplements can cause serious side effects, including severe vomiting, liver failure, and death. Beware that chlorine dioxide supplements usually show another ingredient on the label (sodium chlorite).

When used as a mouthwash: Chlorine dioxide 0.01% to 0.8% solutions are possibly safe when swished around the mouth for 30-60 seconds and then spit out.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Chlorine dioxide is likely unsafe. While chlorine dioxide is safely used to disinfect drinking water, it is used in extremely small amounts. The doses used in supplements can cause serious side effects, including severe vomiting, liver failure, and death. Beware that chlorine dioxide supplements usually show another ingredient on the label (sodium chlorite).

When used as a mouthwash: Chlorine dioxide 0.01% to 0.8% solutions are possibly safe when swished around the mouth for 30-60 seconds and then spit out.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Chlorine dioxide supplements are likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy or breast-feeding. There isn't enough reliable information to know if chlorine dioxide is safe to apply to the skin or use as a mouthwash. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Chlorine dioxide supplements are likely unsafe for children when taken by mouth. There isn't enough reliable information to know if chlorine dioxide is safe for children to apply to the skin or use as a mouthwash. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

An inherited disorder that causes red blood cells to break down in response to stress (G6PD deficiency): People with this condition who use chlorine dioxide may be at an increased risk for red blood cell rupture. Avoid using.

Long-term kidney disease (chronic kidney disease or CKD): Chlorine dioxide might increase the risk of anemia in people with this condition, even when used in small amounts. But it's not clear if this is a major concern.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for CHLORINE DIOXIDE overview.

Dosing

Very dilute amounts of chlorine dioxide are used in public water treatment facilities to disinfect water. But the US FDA has warned consumers that chlorine dioxide supplement products are unsafe. These products often list another ingredient on the label called sodium chlorite and are marketed under names like Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS), Master Mineral Solution, and Miracle Mineral Supplement.

As a mouthwash, chlorine dioxide 0.01% to 0.8% has most often been used by adults for up to 10 days. The solution is swished in the mouth for 30-60 seconds and then spit out.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circ*mstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

CHLORINE DIOXIDE: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews (2024)

FAQs

Does chlorine dioxide have side effects? ›

Short-term Exposure: Chlorine dioxide may cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. It may produce coughing, wheezing, and severe breathing difficulties which may be delayed in onset. 2. Long-term Exposure: Repeated exposure to chlorine dioxide may cause chronic bronchitis.

What is chlorine dioxide dosing? ›

What is chlorine dioxide dosing? Chlorine dioxide dosing is a process used to treat water. This process is used to kill bacteria throughout systems which use water. Dosing ensures that chlorine dioxide is able to kill this bacteria in all areas of the system which it reaches rather than simply at the point of use.

How toxic is chlorine dioxide? ›

When taken by mouth: Chlorine dioxide is likely unsafe. While chlorine dioxide is safely used to disinfect drinking water, it is used in extremely small amounts. The doses used in supplements can cause serious side effects, including severe vomiting, liver failure, and death.

What is a common use of chlorine dioxide? ›

Chlorine dioxide is used for bleaching of wood pulp and for the disinfection (called chlorination) of municipal drinking water, treatment of water in oil and gas applications, disinfection in the food industry, microbiological control in cooling towers, and textile bleaching.

What are the advantages of chlorine dioxide? ›

Higher yield & greater cost efficiencies - Chlorine Dioxide has a higher oxidation capacity, and a lower oxidation strength than most species of chlorine, making it at least 2.6 times more powerful per ppm according to WHO CT values.

Do hospitals use chlorine dioxide? ›

Chlorine Dioxide treatment may be used as a secondary disinfectant in hospitals and other facilities due to the effectiveness of chlorine dioxide in controlling pathogens such as Legionella pneumophila, Stenotrophom*onas maltophilia, and Mycobacterium avium complex.

What is the advantage and disadvantage of chlorine dioxide? ›

Chlorine dioxide has the advantage that it produces less harmful byproducts than chlorine.
...
Disinfectants Chlorine Dioxide.
temperature (°C)pressure (mm Hg)solubility (g/L)
408.42.63
4056.21.60
4018.80.83
409.90.47
8 more rows

Is hydrogen peroxide the same as chlorine dioxide? ›

Hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizer. In fact, it is more potent than chlorine (Cl2), chlorine dioxide (ClO2), and potassium permanganate (KMnO4). Also, through catalysis, hydrogen peroxide can be converted into hydroxyl radicals (OH).

What foods contain chlorine dioxide? ›

Prawns, canned tuna, scallops, called salmon, raw oysters, mussels, lobster, crab and cod all provide significant amounts of chloride to your diet. Ham, bacon, corned beef, organ meats, salami and sausages are also high in chloride.

Is chlorine dioxide a carcinogen? ›

Based on inadequate information in humans and in animals, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the EPA have determined that chlorine dioxide and sodium chlorite are not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity.

Can you drink water treated with chlorine dioxide? ›

Chlorine dioxide is a safe form of water treatment. It is used in various applications, including the treatment of drinking water for human consumption.

Does chlorine dioxide lower blood pressure? ›

Ingesting chlorine dioxide products can lead to: Respiratory failure. Potentially fatal abnormal heart rhythms. Life-threatening low blood pressure caused by dehydration.

What is the greatest hazard of chlorine dioxide? ›

* Chlorine Dioxide is a HIGHLY FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE gas and a DANGEROUS FIRE and EXPLOSION HAZARD.

Is chlorine dioxide the same as bleach? ›

Chlorine dioxide is used as a bleach at pulp mills, which make paper and paper products, and in public water-treatment facilities, to make water safe for drinking. It has also been used to decontaminate public buildings. Chlorine dioxide is soluble in water and will react rapidly with other compounds.

Which mouthwash contains chlorine dioxide? ›

SUPREME BREATH Tru-Active chlorine dioxide mouthwash is recommended by halitosis specialist, Dr. Richard Miller, and is the only mouthwash used at the National Breath Center for maintaining the bad breath Total Cure as it prevents tongue biofilm from forming again.

Which is better chlorine or chlorine dioxide? ›

Chlorine and chlorine dioxide are both oxidising agents (electron receivers). However, chlorine has the capacity to take in two electrons, whereas chlorine dioxide can absorb five. This means that, mole for mole, ClO2 is 2.6 times more effective than chlorine.

Is chlorine dioxide an antibiotic? ›

Chlorine dioxide is a size selective antimicrobial agent which can kill micron sized organisms rapidly but cannot make real harm to much larger organisms like animals or humans as it is not able to penetrate deeply into their living tissues.

What are the long term effects of chlorine on human health? ›

Long-term (chronic) effects:

Long-term exposure to low levels of chlorine gas is potentially linked to diseases of the lung (bronchitis, shortness of breath, possible permanent damage) and tooth corrosion. No cancer or reproductive effects have been reported from chronic exposure to chlorine.

Is chlorine dioxide in mouthwash? ›

Chlorine dioxide and sodium chlorite are highly reactive disinfectants used to treat public water systems. They are also low-concentration ingredients in some mouthwash products.

Is chlorine dioxide good for teeth? ›

Chlorine dioxide reduces both plaque and gingival indices and bacterial counts in the oral cavity similar to other routinely used oral rinses, however, the evidence supporting this outcome is very limited.

What are safe levels of chlorine dioxide in drinking water? ›

A federal drinking water standard (MRDL) for chlorine dioxide of 0.8 mg/L was established by US EPA in its Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfectants Byproducts Rule in 1998.

What is an alternative to chlorine dioxide? ›

Sodium Hypochlorite (NaClO)

Known more commonly as liquid bleach, this light yellow liquid is a chlorine derivative that is much safer than chlorine gas.

Is chlorine dioxide antifungal? ›

Background Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) is an effective disinfectant consisting of oxygen, chloride, and potassium. Because of its high oxidative capacity, ClO2 exerts antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal effects.

What is the difference between chlorine dioxide and chlorine dioxide? ›

Summary – Chlorine vs Chlorine Dioxide

Chlorine and chlorine dioxide are gaseous compounds at room temperature and pressure. The difference between chlorine and chlorine dioxide is that the oxidation state of chlorine atom in chlorine gas is zero whereas the oxidation state of chlorine atom in chlorine dioxide is +4.

Why is hydrogen peroxide no longer recommended? ›

"It prevents healing rather than promoting it." That's because its reactive power isn't specific to germs. Hydrogen peroxide also kills normal cells within the wound — including healthy skin cells and immune cells — and slows blood vessel formation, all of which are important for wound healing.

What is chlorine dioxide made of? ›

Made up of one chlorine atom and two oxygen atoms, this chemical is used as both a dilute liquid (aqueous) and gaseous solutions. Chlorine dioxide commonly presents in a yellow-green color and is used in a variety of industries including Water Treatment, Food Safety, Oil & Gas, and Healthcare to name a few!

Can I put hydrogen peroxide in my drinking water? ›

The bottom line. Hydrogen peroxide is touted as an alternative health remedy for a range of health conditions. However, there's no scientific evidence that drinking it yields any benefits. Plus, doing so is linked to dangerous side effects, including breathing problems, severe gut damage, and in some cases, death.

Where is chloride found in the body? ›

Chloride is the most common anion in the body and is primarily found in the extracellular blood compartment (serum or plasma). Chloride, with sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate, regulates water distribution, osmotic pressure, pH, and ion balance in the extracellular compartment of the blood.

How much chloride should you have a day? ›

The estimated value for chloride intake for adults is set to 2,300 mg/day. Considering dietary recommendations for sodium and chloride, it must be taken into account that high intake of sodium and chloride as salt (sodium chloride) is associated with adverse health effects.

Is chlorine dioxide found in nature? ›

Chlorine dioxide is a yellow to reddish-yellow manufactured gas. It does not occur naturally in the environment. When added to water, chlorine dioxide forms chlorite ion, which is also a very reactive chemical.

Is stabilized chlorine dioxide safe in mouthwash? ›

Chlorine dioxide has been used in drinking water to safely disinfect and deodorize it, so small amounts of the ingredient are usually harmless if ingested. If you're rinsing with a mouthwash containing chlorine dioxide be sure it does not exceed the recommended dose of . 8 milligrams per liter.

What does chlorine do to your heart? ›

Known cardiac effects of chlorine exposure to the heart include arrhythmia (in the form of sinus tachycardia [10,11,40,41], sinus bradycardia [1,20], extra systoles) myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest [22,40]. Cardiomegaly was observed in autopsy of about 90% of victims that died due to chlorine inhalation.

What does chlorine gas do to your lungs? ›

Inhalation of higher concentrations of chlorine gas (>15 ppm) can rapidly lead to respiratory distress with airway constriction and accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). Patients may have immediate onset of rapid breathing, blue discoloration of the skin, wheezing, rales or hemoptysis.

Is chlorine good for heart? ›

While the primary effects of acute exposure occur in the respiratory tract, a growing body of evidence suggests chlorine can also cause vascular injury and cardiac toxicity resulting in increased long-term cardiovascular risks (5, 13–15).

What does chlorine dioxide smell like? ›

The VOC/chlorine dioxide combination odors have been described as smelling like fuel oil, kerosene, chemicals or cat urine, to name the most common.

Is chlorine dioxide good for skin? ›

Chlorine dioxide is toxic and can burn or severely irritate the skin and eyes in high concentrations [30]. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration states that the highest exposure to chlorine dioxide in the air should be 0.1 ppm and 0.3 mg/m3 [31].

Is chlorine dioxide disinfectant safe? ›

Chlorine dioxide is a safe and effective disinfectant, even at concentrations as low as 20 to 30 mg/L.

What is the safest mouthwash to use? ›

  • Best Mouthwashes Of 2023.
  • ACT Kids Anticavity Fluoride Rinse.
  • Listerine Total Care Alcohol-Free Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash.
  • Crest Pro-Health Mouthwash.
  • ACT Total Care Mouthwash.
  • ACT Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash.
  • Biotene Oral Rinse Mouthwash for Dry Mouth.
  • Colgate Total Gum Health Mouthwash.
Jan 10, 2023

What kind of mouthwash do dentists recommend? ›

If you have cavities or are at a high risk of contracting gum diseases, your dentist may recommend an antibacterial mouthwash. Mouth rinses with fluoride can also help ward off tooth decay.

Does Listerine have chlorhexidine in it? ›

Listerine mouthwash is known for its ability to combat bacteria in the mouth and keep you always feeling healthy and fresh. With Listerine, you can guarantee the benefits of using chlorhexidine mouthwash and worry less about its drawbacks.

Is stabilized chlorine dioxide safe to drink? ›

Products are being marketed under various names: MSS, Miracle Mineral Solution, Master Mineral Solution, Water Purification Solution, CDS, Aqueous Chlorine Dioxide and others. Ingesting chlorine dioxide products can lead to: Respiratory failure. Potentially fatal abnormal heart rhythms.

How much chlorine dioxide is safe in drinking water? ›

A federal drinking water standard (MRDL) for chlorine dioxide of 0.8 mg/L was established by US EPA in its Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfectants Byproducts Rule in 1998.

Which mouthwash kills most bacteria? ›

LISTERINE ® Antiseptic deeply penetrates and kills plaque biofilm. At full strength, LISTERINE ® Antiseptic has a broad spectrum of bacterial kill. LISTERINE ® Antiseptic lyses, kills, and inhibits growth of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

What does chlorine dioxide react with? ›

In air, sunlight quickly breaks chlorine dioxide apart into chlorine gas and oxygen. In water, chlorine dioxide reacts quickly to form chlorite ions. When chlorine dioxide reacts with dissolved organic compounds in water-treatment systems, it forms disinfection by-products, such as chlorite and chlorate ions.

What is chlorine dioxide made from? ›

Made up of one chlorine atom and two oxygen atoms, this chemical is used as both a dilute liquid (aqueous) and gaseous solutions. Chlorine dioxide commonly presents in a yellow-green color and is used in a variety of industries including Water Treatment, Food Safety, Oil & Gas, and Healthcare to name a few!

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