Key Questions
The following key questions are answered in this module:
What is chlorine dioxide and why is it dangerous?
Chlorine dioxide, or ClO2, is a chemical compound that is commonly used in pulp bleaching and water treatment processes. Because it is very unstable and can react violently, ClO2 poses a number of health hazards. Therefore, it should be manufactured, stored, and handled very carefully.
What is chlorine dioxide used for?
Over 95% of the worldwide production of chlorine dioxide is used to bleach wood pulp. In North America, over 99% of all bleached chemical pulp is bleached in a process that includes ClO2.
What are some of the health effects that can occur if exposed to chlorine dioxide?
Chlorine dioxide can cause severe irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, or skin, and inhalation can cause coughing, wheezing, and respiratory distress. At very high exposure levels, it can be fatal. For these reasons, ClO2has been given a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) health hazard rating of 3.
What makes chlorine dioxide unstable and could potentially cause it to explode?
Chlorine dioxide is very acidic, corrosive, and a strong oxidizer. It is very unstable and can explode if it is: present in high concentrations, impacted, exposed to an ignition source, and heated rapidly.
What PPE is typically required of workers who work with or around chlorine dioxide?
When working with any amount or concentration of chlorine dioxide, wear the personal protective equipment (PPE) required by your facility, which may include the following: protective clothing such as gloves, aprons, and sleeves, safety goggles, face shields, and NIOSH approved respirators.