Chlorine dioxide

Agent Name
Chlorine dioxide
CAS Number
10049-04-4
Formula
Cl-O2
Major Category
Toxic Gases & Vapors
Chlorine dioxide formula graphical representation
Synonyms
Alcide; Anthium dioxcide; Chlorine dioxide; Chlorine oxide (ClO2); Chlorine peroxide; Chlorine(IV) oxide; Chloroperoxyl; Chloryl radical; Doxcide 50; [ChemIDplus]
Category
Oxidizers
Description
Yellow to red gas or a red-brown liquid (below 52 degrees F) with an unpleasant odor similar to chlorine and nitric acid; [NIOSH] Vapor density = 2.3 (heavier than air); [ACGIH]
Sources/Uses
Used in bleaching wood pulp (95% of use); Also used in bleaching textiles; disinfecting hospital equipment; disinfecting fruits, vegetables, and meats; and treating municipal water; [ACGIH]
Comments
Corrosive--can cause serious skin burns; [ICSC] Rats exposed to 0.1 ppm for 5 hours/day for 45 days had no adverse effects while exposures to 2.5 ppm for 7 hours/day for 30 days caused severe lung inflammation; [ACGIH]
Reference Link #1
Biomedical References

Exposure Assessment

Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Insufficient data
TIH
Yes
Dangerous When Wet
Yes
Ceiling (ACGIH)
0.1 ppm
PEL (OSHA)
0.1 ppm
MAK
0.1 ppm
IDLH (NIOSH)
5 ppm
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs
Human data: It has been reported that 5 ppm is definitely irritating and that 19 ppm caused the death of one worker inside a tank (time of exposure was not specified) [Elkins 1950].
Odor Threshold Low
0.1 ppm
Odor Threshold High
15 ppm
Lethal Concentration
LCLo (rat) = 260 ppm/2H
Explanatory Notes
Extreme explosive hazard--should be handled in aqueous solutions (0.5-10 g/L); [ACGIH] Odor threshold from NJ "Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet"; The Guide from the Emergency Response Guidebook is for "Chlorine dioxide, hydrate, frozen.
Reference Link #2
ERPG-1
Not appropriate
ERPG-2
0.5 ppm
ERPG-3
3 ppm

Adverse Effects

Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent: