Key Points/Overview
According to the CDC, chlorine dioxide is added to drinking water to protect people from harmful bacteria and other microorganisms. EPA recognizes chlorine dioxide use as a drinking water disinfectant, and it is included in WHO’s Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality.
In medical settings, chlorine dioxide gas can be used to help sterilize equipment, surfaces, rooms and tools. It should not be used to treat diseases or ailments.
In its pure form, chlorine dioxide is a hazardous gas, but most people are not likely to be exposed to air containing dangerous levels of chlorine dioxide as it rapidly breaks down in air into chlorine gas and oxygen.
For workers who use chlorine dioxide, OSHA regulates the level of chlorine dioxide in workplace air for safety.
