Effective disinfection is imperative in diverse public settings, particularly in complex environments like hospitals where pathogenic microorganisms such as viruses and infectious bacteria abound.

This article addresses a common query: are chlorine-containing disinfectants and chlorine dioxide disinfectants identical? A concise analysis is presented below.

Chlorine-containing disinfectants and chlorine dioxide disinfectants are distinct, differing in active disinfectant components, disinfection mechanisms, safety profiles, and regulatory standards, among other aspects.

Differences in Active Disinfectant Components

Chlorine-containing disinfectants refer to agents that generate hypochlorous acid (HClO) upon dissolution in water, with HClO serving as the primary active component. In contrast, chlorine dioxide disinfectants utilize free chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) as their core disinfectant agent.

Differences in Regulatory Standards  

Chlorine dioxide disinfection is governed by the standard *GB/T 26366-2010*, while chlorine-containing disinfectants are primarily regulated under *GB/T 36758-2018*. These distinct standards confirm that the two belong to entirely separate categories of disinfectants.

Differences in Disinfection Mechanisms  

1.Chlorine-Containing Disinfectants

Hypochlorous acid decomposes to release nascent oxygen (O), whose oxidizing properties denature proteins on bacterial cells and viral particles, leading to the death of pathogenic microorganisms. Additionally, HClO acts on cell walls and viral envelopes; due to its small molecular size and neutral charge, it penetrates viral particles to oxidize macromolecules such as viral proteins, further inactivating pathogens. A third mechanism involves chloride ions (Cl⁻) altering the osmotic pressure of bacterial and viral cells, causing cellular lysis.

2.Chlorine Dioxide Disinfectants

Chlorine dioxide exists as an unstable compound in disinfectant formulations. Its disinfection mechanisms include:

– Penetration of and adsorption to cell walls, followed by oxidation of sulfhydryl (-SH)-containing enzymes within cells;

– Reactions with cysteine, free fatty acids, and other biomolecules, rapidly inhibiting protein synthesis and increasing membrane permeability;

– Modification of viral capsid proteins, resulting in viral inactivation.

Differences in Safety Profiles

Chlorine dioxide disinfectants are non-toxic and do not generate “three-causing” substances (carcinogenic, teratogenic, or mutagenic) during disinfection. They also offer advantages such as low effective concentrations and mild odor. In contrast, chlorine-containing disinfectants are inherently toxic, produce harmful byproducts during disinfection, and may cause adverse effects like high concentrations and pungent odors. To ensure safe disinfection, operators must control disinfectant dosage—installing a Total Residual Chlorine Online Analyzer (Model RCl900) to monitor disinfectant input can prevent pollution from excessive dosing.

Postscript

As a manufacturer of online water quality monitoring instruments, Hangzhou Modi reminds users that after disinfecting hospital wastewater, Medical Wastewater Online Monitoring must not be overlooked to verify compliance of all water quality indicators.