Chlorine dioxide is widely used around the world for water purification, but many people still wonder: is chlorine dioxide safe to drink? The answer depends entirely on proper use and correct dilution. When used at safe levels, chlorine dioxide is commonly used by municipal water systems to help eliminate bacteria, viruses, and parasites in drinking water. In this article, we’ll explain what reputable organizations say about chlorine dioxide, how it is used in water treatment, and what you should know before using it for drinking water purification.
In this article, we intend to clear up any misunderstandings regarding chlorine dioxide and it’s uses. Where we will state information directly from reputable sources. Including The Food and Drug Administration, (FDA) the Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA) the World Health Organization, (WHO) as well as other relevant chemical safety facts.
If you’re specifically looking for chlorine dioxide for drinking water, including proper chlorine dioxide dosage and step-by-step purification guidance, read our complete chlorine dioxide for drinking water guide.
Let’s start with…
Can chlorine dioxide be harmful and cause death if ingested?
The short answer is yes. But you’d also have to ask if water is harmful and cause death. And the fact is that yes, you can absolutely die from drinking too much water. The key phrase being, too much. There’s even a name for it. It’s called water intoxication. This means that enough people have died from drinking so much water, that medical professionals had to create a common phrase to refer to it.
You probably already know that too much of anything can be harmful. Even leafy greens vegetables are common in food poisoning cases. Some people can die just being in the same room as an open bag of peanuts.
Let’s face it folks, the world is a dangerous place and for the majority of our human story, there’s been a lot of trial and error when it comes to keeping our bodies alive. Seems to be easier said than done. Especially considering we’re all so different. And what works for some doesn’t work for others.
Which brings us to the next question…
Can chlorine dioxide cure a variety of diseases?
The short answer is no. Sorry to burst your bubble. Unfortunately, if you are suffering from a disease you won’t be able to rely on this or any other product to cure you. The sad truth is that you will have to cure yourself. Even doctors can’t cure you. For the most part, all doctors can do is cover up the symptoms by numbing you with a plethora of medication. Trial and error being the strategy they experiment with.
The only problem is; you are the experiment. If we’re going to experiment with our bodies, we might as well do our own own due diligence and take full responsibility for our health. Instead of falling victim to our circumstance and relying on other people with fancy tittles to dictate how we feel and what we can and cannot do with our bodies.
Facts…
- Chlorine dioxide is used worldwide in water treatment facilities. When added to drinking water, it helps destroy bacteria, viruses and other types of parasites that are known to make people sick. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends a maximum concentration of chlorine dioxide to be no greater 0.8 parts per million (ppm) when treating water for drinking.
- Chlorine dioxide has many uses in Industrial and manufacturing facilities. Including food and beverage production as an antimicrobial agent in water, poultry and for washing fruits and vegetables, as stated by the Food and Drug Administration. (FDA)
- Chlorine dioxide has many medical applications, including a sterilization agent for medical and laboratory equipment, surfaces, rooms and tools.
For individuals preparing emergency water storage or treating untreated water sources, many people use a chlorine dioxide water purification kit designed for simple and accurate dosing.
