DOCSLIB.ORG

ANALYSIS of ALTERNATIVES Public Version

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
ANALYSIS of ALTERNATIVES Public Version ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES Public Version Legal name of applicant(s): Società Chimica Bussi S.p.A. (SCB) Submitted by: Società Chimica Bussi S.p.A. Substance: Sodium Dichromate Use title: Use of sodium dichromate as an additive for suppressing parasitic reactions and oxygen evolution, pH buffering and cathode corrosion protection in the electrolytic manufacture of sodium chlorite Use number: 1 Disclaimer This report has been prepared by Risk & Policy Analysts Ltd, with reasonable skill, care and diligence under a contract to the client and in accordance with the terms and provisions of the contract. Risk & Policy Analysts Ltd will accept no responsibility towards the client and third parties in respect of any matters outside the scope of the contract. This report has been prepared for the client and we accept no liability for any loss or damage arising out of the provision of the report to third parties. Any such party relies on the report at their own risk. Note This complete version of the Analysis of Alternatives includes some text and figures that are highlighted in grey. These parts of text have been blanked out in the public version of this document. Justification for confidentiality claims is provided in the Annex (Section 7) of the present document. Table of contents 1 Summary .............................................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Use applied for ................................................................................................................................ 1 1.2 Potential alternatives for sodium dichromate ................................................................................ 2 1.3 Suitability of the three identified alternatives to sodium dichromate .......................................... 5 1.4 Feasibility and availability of potential alternatives for sodium dichromate ................................. 6 1.5 Actions needed to improve the suitability and availability of potential alternatives ..................... 8 2 Analysis of substance function ............................................................................................ 13 2.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 13 2.2 The chlorate production process .................................................................................................. 13 2.3 Production of sodium chlorite ...................................................................................................... 20 2.4 Conditions of use and technical feasibility criteria ....................................................................... 21 2.5 Summary of functionality of sodium dichromate in the “Applied for Use” ................................. 27 3 Annual tonnage .................................................................................................................. 31 3.1 Tonnage band ............................................................................................................................... 31 3.2 Trends in the consumption of sodium dichromate ...................................................................... 31 3.3 Form and usage of sodium dichromate ........................................................................................ 31 4 Identification of possible alternatives.................................................................................. 33 4.1 List of possible alternatives ........................................................................................................... 33 4.2 Description of efforts made to identify possible alternatives ...................................................... 33 4.3 Screening of identified alternatives .............................................................................................. 66 5 Suitability and availability of possible alternatives ............................................................... 87 5.1 Introduction and scope of analysis ............................................................................................... 87 5.2 Sodium molybdate (two available forms) ..................................................................................... 87 5.3 Molybdenum-based coatings ....................................................................................................... 96 5.4 Two-compartment electrolytic systems ..................................................................................... 102 6 Overall conclusions on suitability and availability of possible alternatives .......................... 109 6.1 Technical feasibility of shortlisted alternatives .......................................................................... 109 6.2 Economic feasibility of shortlisted alternatives .......................................................................... 111 6.3 Reduction of risks from the use of shortlisted alternatives ........................................................ 112 6.4 Availability of shortlisted alternatives ........................................................................................ 113 6.5 Overall conclusion ....................................................................................................................... 114 7 Annex – Justifications for confidentiality claims ................................................................. 115 8 Appendix 1 – Information sources ..................................................................................... 121 1 Summary 1.1 Use applied for This Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) is part of an Application for the Authorisation (AfA) for the continued use of sodium dichromate (CAS No. 7789-12-0 & 10588-01-9; EINECS No. 234-190-3, hereafter referred to as “SD”) by the applicant, Società Chimica Bussi SpA (hereafter referred to as SCB), in the sodium chlorate (NaClO3) manufacturing process, where it acts as a crucial additive to the process. The sodium chlorate is an intermediate in the production of sodium chlorite. As is explained in the SEA (page 9), SCB is to build a new plant to produce Sodium Chlorite for use in the water treatment sector. SCB, the applicant, is part of an industrial holding (Gestioni Industriali Srl) controlled by the same shareholder which owns also Caffaro Brescia Srl (hereafter Caffaro). The new SCB plant will be run on almost the same basic technology as that of the Caffaro plant in Brescia, updated in line with modern techniques resulting in further minimisation of worker exposure and environmental impact. Caffaro currently holds an authorisation for the use of sodium dichromate in the production of sodium chlorite and is the main EU manufacturer of sodium chlorite for use in the water treatment sector. Caffaro previously applied for the Authorisation of the same use of SD as part of a group of 7 companies that represented 9 applicant companies; that group was known as Sodium Dichromate Authorisation Consortium (hereafter “SDAC”). As is demonstrated in the Caffaro Analysis of Alternatives1 , there is no other feasible technology available globally which enables the production of sodium chlorate, and this AoA demonstrates that this continues to be the case. The SCB plant has obtained the requisite building permits and financing and construction has begun and the plant is expected to be ready for operation towards the end of 2019. However, production cannot begin until this AfA has been evaluated. Caffaro holds the Brescia plant under rent and is not the owner of the land. The Brescia site is declared a Site of National Interest by the Italian authorities and a characterisation and reclamation intervention is planned. For this reason, it may be required relatively early, dependent on the needs and time schedule of public authorities, to surrender the facility available for these activities. The Bussi factory is also declared as part of a National Interest Site, but in this case the land is owned by SCB itself, the characterisation has been carried out, the Prevention Measures have been implemented, but no reclamation activities are planned. Caffaro has a significant commercial / application know-how that the common shareholder intends to continue to enhance. Moreover, if the Bussi site is not ready to replace Caffaro production when it will cease operation, a shortage of chlorite product on the market will occur. So, it must be completely operational in the case of formal request to stop the operation of the Caffaro plant by the public authorities. Note that the AoA undertaken for Caffaro has been used as the basis for this SCB AoA. Unless otherwise noted, the various relevant analyses and considerations of the first AoA still apply. Also, 1 https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/5e4bf84e-5725-4633-bb47-da66770a5b96 Use number: 1 Legal name of the applicant: Società Chimica Bussi SpA 1 due to the Caffaro AoA being the basis for this AoA, please also note the SCB plant it is frequently referred to in this document in the present tense i.e. as if it is already operational which it is not (construction has just begun). Generation of sodium chlorate is based on the electrolysis of sodium chloride (NaCl), at a controlled pH range, where the sodium chloride is converted into sodium chlorate while hydrogen evolves as a co-product. SD acts to increase the current efficiency of the conversion process by suppressing unwanted (parasitic cathodic) reactions and thus reducing the use of electrical
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Precursors and Chemicals Frequently Used in the Illicit Manufacture of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances 2017
    INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL BOARD Precursors and chemicals frequently used in the illicit manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances 2017 EMBARGO Observe release date: Not to be published or broadcast before Thursday, 1 March 2018, at 1100 hours (CET) UNITED NATIONS CAUTION Reports published by the International Narcotics Control Board in 2017 The Report of the International Narcotics Control Board for 2017 (E/INCB/2017/1) is supplemented by the following reports: Narcotic Drugs: Estimated World Requirements for 2018—Statistics for 2016 (E/INCB/2017/2) Psychotropic Substances: Statistics for 2016—Assessments of Annual Medical and Scientific Requirements for Substances in Schedules II, III and IV of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971 (E/INCB/2017/3) Precursors and Chemicals Frequently Used in the Illicit Manufacture of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances: Report of the International Narcotics Control Board for 2017 on the Implementation of Article 12 of the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988 (E/INCB/2017/4) The updated lists of substances under international control, comprising narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and substances frequently used in the illicit manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, are contained in the latest editions of the annexes to the statistical forms (“Yellow List”, “Green List” and “Red List”), which are also issued by the Board. Contacting the International Narcotics Control Board The secretariat of the Board may be reached at the following address: Vienna International Centre Room E-1339 P.O. Box 500 1400 Vienna Austria In addition, the following may be used to contact the secretariat: Telephone: (+43-1) 26060 Fax: (+43-1) 26060-5867 or 26060-5868 Email: [email protected] The text of the present report is also available on the website of the Board (www.incb.org).
    [Show full text]
  • MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET Sodium Permanganate Solution
    MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET Sodium Permanganate solution Page 1 to 4 1: Company and Product Identification Chemical Product Sodium Permanganate Trade Name Sodium Permanganate 20% Sodium Permanganate 40% Synonym NaMnO4 Permanganic acid of Sodium Salt Company Name Magnesia Chemicals LLP Address 81/A, Parhar Village road, Lonand, Tal. Phaltan, Dist. Satara, Maharashtra. Pin: 415523. India Telephone +91 7558428995 Fax E mail [email protected] Website www.magnesiachemicals.com 2: Hazards Identification 1. EYE CONTACT - Sodium Permanganate is damaging to eye tissue on contact. It may cause burns that result in damage to the eye. 2. SKIN CONTACT - Momentary contact of solution at room temperature may be irritating to the skin, leaving brown stains. Prolonged contact is damaging to the skin. 3. INHALATION - Acute inhalation toxicity data are not available. However, airborne concentrations of sodium permanganate in the form of mist may cause irritation to the respiratory tract. 4. INGESTION - Sodium permanganate solution, if swallowed, may cause burns to mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, and stomach. 3: Hazard Description &Symbols MATERIAL CAS NO. EINECS % HAZARD DATA Sodium Permanganate 10101-50-5 233-251-1 20-40 PEL/C 5 mg Mn per cubic meter of air TLV-TWA 0.2 mg Mn per cubic meter of air SYMBOLS: Oxidizing Irritant Environmental Chemical Hazard RISK PHRASES: 8 - Contact with combustibles may case fire. 22 - Harmful if swallowed. 50/53 - Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term effects in the aquatic environment. SAFETY PHRASES: 17 - Keep away from combustible materials. 24/25 - Avoid contact with skin and eyes. 26 - In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice.
    [Show full text]
  • Sodium Chlorite Neutralization
    ® Basic Chemicals Sodium Chlorite Neutralization Introduction that this reaction is exothermic and liberates a If sodium chlorite is spilled or becomes a waste, significant amount of heat (H). it must be disposed of in accordance with local, state, and Federal regulations by a NPDES NaClO2 + 2Na2SO3 2Na2SO4 + NaCl permitted out-fall or in a permitted hazardous 90.45g + 2(126.04g) 2(142.04g) + 58.44g waste treatment, storage, and disposal facility. H = -168 kcal/mole NaClO2 Due to the reactivity of sodium chlorite, neutralization for disposal purposes should be For example, when starting with a 5% NaClO2 avoided whenever possible. Where permitted, solution, the heat generated from this reaction the preferred method for handling sodium could theoretically raise the temperature of the chlorite spills and waste is by dilution, as solution by 81C (146F). Adequate dilution, discussed in the OxyChem Safety Data Sheet thorough mixing and a slow rate of reaction are (SDS) for sodium chlorite in Section 6, important factors in controlling the temperature (Accidental Release Measures). Sodium chlorite increase (T). neutralization procedures must be carried out only by properly trained personnel wearing Procedure appropriate protective equipment. The complete neutralization procedure involves three sequential steps: dilution, chlorite Reaction Considerations reduction, and alkali neutralization. The dilution If a specific situation requires sodium chlorite to step lowers the strength of the sodium chlorite be neutralized, the chlorite must first be reduced solution to 5% or less; the reduction step reacts by a reaction with sodium sulfite. The use of the diluted chlorite solution with sodium sulfite to sodium sulfite is recommended over other produce a sulfate solution, and the neutralization reducing agents such as sodium thiosulfate step reduces the pH of the alkaline sulfate (Na2S2O3), sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3), and solution from approximately 12 to 4-5.
    [Show full text]
  • DEA Regulated Chemical Initiatives
    Christine A. Sannerud, Chief Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section (ODE) U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (202) 307-7183 Office of Diversion Control, ODE 1 Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section (ODE) Chemical Role includes: • Determination of chemicals used in the manufacture of controlled substances. • Use of existing regulatory mechanisms to control compounds used in this manufacture. Office of Diversion Control, ODE 2 Current Activities • Iodine Regulations (NPRM) • Sodium Permanganate • Elimination of Ephedrine/Pseudoephedrine Chemical Mixture Exemptions • Control of Precursors to Fentanyl • Positional Isomers Definition Office of Diversion Control, ODE 3 Methamphetamine Production Office of Diversion Control, ODE 4 Iodine Control • Iodine used as reagent in Methamphetamine production • Number one U.S. clandestinely produced drug Office of Diversion Control, ODE 5 U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration Office of Diversion Control Chemical Investigations Section Methamphetamine Clandestine Laboratory Seizures With DEA participation WASH MONTANA N DAKOTA WASH MONTANA N DAKOTA WASH MONTANA N DAKOTA MN 1993 -218 MN 1994 -263 MN 1995 -327 ME ME WI ME S DAKOTA WI S DAKOTA WI OREGON S DAKOTA OREGON VT OREGON VT 10 VT WYOMING IDAHO WYOMING WYOMING MI IDAHO MI MI IDAHO NH NH NH IOWA NY NY NY MA IOWA MA IOWA MA NEBRASKA ILL NEBRASKA ILL NEBRASKA ILL NEVADA NEVADA IN NEVADA IN PA RI OHIO PA RI OHIO PA RI IN OHIO CT CT CT UTAH UTAH COLORADO UTAH COLORADO NJ 14 NJ KANSAS NJ CA 10 COLORADO W CA W CA W KANSAS V DE 25 KANSAS
    [Show full text]
  • Jnited States Patent Office Patented July 9, 1957
    2,798,878 Jnited States Patent Office Patented July 9, 1957 2 weeks; and, finally, the method must be safe from the hazard of-explosion. One of the objects of the invention is to provide a 2,798,878 method of oxidizing graphite to graphitic oxide with the PREPARATION OF GRAPHITIC ACID production of a high quality product of low carbon-to Williaria S. Hummers, Jr., Detroit, Mich., assignor to Na oxygen ratio. tional Lead Company, New York, N. Y., a corporation Another object of the invention is to provide a method of New Jersey of preparing graphitic oxide in a hazard-free manner with a processing time of one or two hours, or less. No Drawing. Application July 19, 1954, 0. Another object of the invention is to provide a method Seria No. 444,400 of preparing graphitic oxide in high yield, with a favor ably low consumption of oxidizing agents. 16 Claims. (C. 260-348) Another object of the invention is to provide a method of preparing graphitic oxide with materials which are This invention relates to the preparation of graphitic 5 relatively cheap, available, and readily handled. oxide from graphite, and more particularly is concerned Other objects of the invention will appear as the de with an improved method of carrying out the oxidation scription thereof proceeds. In accordance with the invention, the starting material, step involved. which is a graphitic substance which may be graphite, Graphitic oxide, sometimes known as graphitic acid, 20 has been known for almost a century, and is an important and is preferably a high grade of synthetic or natural material for experimental studies in electrode processes graphite, such as Ceylon graphite, is treated with a water of colloidal properties of materials related to humic acids, free mixture of concentrated sulphuric acid and an an in inorganic structural chemistry, and the like.
    [Show full text]
  • Six-Year Review 3 Technical Support Document for Chlorate
    Six-Year Review 3 Technical Support Document for Chlorate Office of Water (4607M) EPA-810-R-16-013 December 2016 Disclaimer This document is not a regulation. It is not legally enforceable, and does not confer legal rights or impose legal obligations on any party, including EPA, states, or the regulated community. While EPA has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of any references to statutory or regulatory requirements, the obligations of the interested stakeholders are determined by statutes, regulations or other legally binding requirements, not this document. In the event of a conflict between the information in this document and any statute or regulation, this document would not be controlling. This page intentionally left blank. Table of Contents 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 1-1 2 Contaminant Background .......................................................................................... 2-1 2.1 Chemical and Physical Properties ................................................................................. 2-1 2.2 Production, Use and Release ......................................................................................... 2-2 2.2.1 Commercial Production and Use in Industry and Agriculture ........................... 2-2 2.2.2 Incidental Production and Release ...................................................................... 2-6 2.3 Environmental Fate ......................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Formation of Perchlorate from Chlorine Species Under Simulated Mars Conditions
    Eighth International Conference on Mars (2014) 1020.pdf FORMATION OF PERCHLORATE FROM CHLORINE SPECIES UNDER SIMULATED MARS CONDITIONS. B. L. Carrier* and S. P. Kounaves, Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA. ([email protected]). Introduction: an ongoing mechanism for perchlorate formation from - Perchlorate (ClO4 ) was first discovered on Mars at chloride, and likely indicates the probable presence of the Phoenix landing site in 2008 at concentrations of other oxychlorine intermediates and radicals such as - - ● ● 0.4 to 0.6 wt % [1]. More recently results from Mars OCl , ClO2 , ClO2(g), OCl, Cl and others. The pres- Science Laboratory (MSL) pyrolysis experiments per- ence of these intermediates has serious implications for formed by the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) in- the survival and detection of organics as most of these strument suite indicate the presence of an oxychlorine intermediates, unlike perchlorate, are strong oxidizing species in samples collected at Rocknest, Cumberland agents at Mars ambient conditions. All of this seems and John Klein sites, with calcium perchlorate being to indicate the presence of a complex chlorine cycle on the most likely candidate [2,3]. Perchlorate has also the martian surface. been identified in martian meteorite EETA79001 [4] Our current reseach aims to investigate factors that and has been proposed as a possible explanation for the may influence the rate of perchlorate formation such as detection of chlorinated hydrocarbons at the Viking UV dosage, exposure time, relative humidity, concen- landing sites [5]. Taken together this seems to indicate tration of atmospheric oxidants and effects of direct a global distribution of perchlorate on the martian sur- exposure to UV photons vs.
    [Show full text]
  • Toxicological Profile for Chlorine Dioxide and Chlorite
    TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE FOR CHLORINE DIOXIDE AND CHLORITE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Public Health Service Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry September 2004 CHLORINE DIOXIDE AND CHLORITE ii DISCLAIMER The use of company or product name(s) is for identification only and does not imply endorsement by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. CHLORINE DIOXIDE AND CHLORITE iii UPDATE STATEMENT Toxicological Profile for Chlorine Dioxide and Chlorite, Draft for Public Comment was released in September 2002. This edition supersedes any previously released draft or final profile. Toxicological profiles are revised and republished as necessary. For information regarding the update status of previously released profiles, contact ATSDR at: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Division of Toxicology/Toxicology Information Branch 1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop F-32 Atlanta, Georgia 30333 CHLORINE DIOXIDE AND CHLORITE vi *Legislative Background The toxicological profiles are developed in response to the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986 (Public law 99-499) which amended the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA or Superfund). This public law directed ATSDR to prepare toxicological profiles for hazardous substances most commonly found at facilities on the CERCLA National Priorities List and that pose the most significant potential threat to human health, as determined by ATSDR and the EPA. The availability of the revised priority list of 275 hazardous substances was announced in the Federal Register on November 17, 1997 (62 FR 61332). For prior versions of the list of substances, see Federal Register notices dated April 29, 1996 (61 FR 18744); April 17, 1987 (52 FR 12866); October 20, 1988 (53 FR 41280); October 26, 1989 (54 FR 43619); October 17, 1990 (55 FR 42067); October 17, 1991 (56 FR 52166); October 28, 1992 (57 FR 48801); and February 28, 1994 (59 FR 9486).
    [Show full text]
  • Occurrence of Chlorite, Chlorate and Bromate in Disinfected Swimming Pool Water
    Polish J. of Environ. Stud. Vol. 16, No. 2 (2007), 237-241 Original Research Occurrence of Chlorite, Chlorate and Bromate in Disinfected Swimming Pool Water R. Michalski*, B. Mathews institute of environmental engineering of Polish Academy of science, 34 sklodowska-curie str., 41-819 zabrze, Poland Received: June 29, 2006 Accepted: November 10, 2006 Abstract Swimming pool water treatment in general includes flocculation, sand filtration and subsequent dis- infection. Chlorite, chlorate and bromate are disinfection by-products of swimming pool water treated by chlorine species or ozone. They are responsible for adverse effects on human health and their analyses in swimming pool water are necessary. The simply and fast suppressed ion chromatography simultaneous separation and conductivity deter- mination of chlorite, chlorate, bromate, fluoride, chloride, nitrate, bromide, phosphate and sulfate in dis- infected swimming pool water has been described. The separation was performed on an anion-exchange column with 1.0 mm na2CO3 + 3.2 mm naHco3 as eluent, and determination by suppressed conductivity detection. chlorite has been found in 5 analyzed samples, chlorate in all of them, and bromate in the 2 samples originated from ozonated swimming pool water. ions were analyzed in the wide concentrations range from 0.05 mg l-1 (bromate) up to 300 mg l-1 (chloride, sulfate). Linearity of disinfection by-products was checked up to 2.0 mg/l (chlorite), 30 mg l-1 (chlorate) and 0.5 mg l-1 (bromate) with a 50 µl injection loop (r2= 0.9966 – 0.9985), respectively. Fluoride, chloride, nitrate, bromide, phosphate, and sulfate did not interfere with target anions.
    [Show full text]
  • Interagency Committee on Chemical Management
    DECEMBER 15, 2020 INTERAGENCY COMMITTEE ON CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 02-19 REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR WALKE, PETER Table of Contents Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................... 2 I. Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 4 II. Chemical Nomination Review Framework .......................................................................... 6 III. Summary of Chemical Use in the State Based on Reported Chemical Inventories.......... 8 IV. Summary of Identified Risks to Human Health and the Environment from Reported Chemical Inventories .............................................................................................................. 9 V. Summary of any change under Federal Statute or Rule affecting the Regulation of Chemicals in the State ............................................................................................................ 9 VI. Recommended Legislative or Regulatory Action to Reduce Risks to Human Health and the Environment from Regulated and Unregulated Chemicals of Emerging Concern . 25 VII. Final Thoughts ................................................................................................................. 26 Appendices ................................................................................................................................... 27 1 Executive Summary On August 7, 2017, Governor
    [Show full text]
  • Interagency Committee on Chemical Management
    DECEMBER 14, 2018 INTERAGENCY COMMITTEE ON CHEMICAL MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 13-17 REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR WALKE, PETER Table of Contents Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................... 2 I. Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 3 II. Recommended Statutory Amendments or Regulatory Changes to Existing Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements that are Required to Facilitate Assessment of Risks to Human Health and the Environment Posed by Chemical Use in the State ............................................................................................................................ 5 III. Summary of Chemical Use in the State Based on Reported Chemical Inventories....... 8 IV. Summary of Identified Risks to Human Health and the Environment from Reported Chemical Inventories ........................................................................................................... 9 V. Summary of any change under Federal Statute or Rule affecting the Regulation of Chemicals in the State ....................................................................................................... 12 VI. Recommended Legislative or Regulatory Action to Reduce Risks to Human Health and the Environment from Regulated and Unregulated Chemicals of Emerging Concern ..............................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Chlorine Dioxide and Chlorite
    CHLORINE DIOXIDE AND CHLORITE What are CHLORINE DIOXIDE AND CHLORITE? Chlorine dioxide is a man-made gas that is yellow to reddish-yellow in color, with an unpleasant odor similar to chlorine. When chlorine dioxide is added to water, it forms chlorite. Where can chlorine dioxide and chlorite be found and how are they used? Paper plants use chlorine dioxide to bleach paper. Public drinking water suppliers use low levels of chlorine dioxide to kill harmful bacteria and organisms. How can people be exposed to chlorine dioxide and chlorite? You could be exposed to chlorine dioxide and chlorite through: Drinking water purified with chlorine dioxide and chlorite. Touching chlorine dioxide and chlorite by being in the air they have contaminated. Both chemicals are gases that break down in air. Eye Contact by being in the air that chlorine dioxide and chlorite have contaminated. Employees of pulp and paper mills or water treatment plants can have a high exposure if they work where chlorine dioxide and chlorite are used as disinfectants. How do chlorine dioxide and chlorite work? Both chlorine dioxide and chlorite break down quickly when they enter the body. Chlorine dioxide changes to chlorite ions, small groups of atoms with an electric charge. These ions further break down into chloride ions that leave the body within hours or days through the urine. How can chlorine dioxide and chlorite affect my health? Breathing air containing chlorine dioxide gas can irritate your nose, throat and lungs. There is no evidence that chlorine dioxide or chlorite affects reproduction in humans. Most people will not be exposed to enough chlorine dioxide or chlorite to suffer significant and long-lasting damage.
    [Show full text]