The Effects of Chlorine Dioxide Gas

Chlorine dioxide is a powerful oxidizing agent used in water treatment and bleaching. Sir Humphrey Davy discovered the gas in 1814 by pouring sulphuric acid on potassium chlorate. The gas is volatile and differs greatly from elementary chlorine. It has positive benefits, such as bleaching wood pulp or disinfecting drinking water to make it safe for consumption. Anyone using the substance, however, should be careful, as chlorine dioxide can escape from the watery solution, which can create an especially dangerous situation in a sealed space.

Explosive at High Concentrations

• When the concentration of chlorine dioxide gas reaches 10 percent of the surrounding air, it becomes explosive. The gas is unstable, and even at room temperature it can explode when exposed to sparks or sunlight, or if heated above 212 degrees Fahrenheit. The gas may also explode or burst into flames if it comes into contact with carbon monoxide, dust, fluoride, hydrocarbons (such as methane and propane), hydrogen, sulfur, phosphorus and other substances. It can also react with water or steam to form toxic hydrochloric acid.

Irritates Skin

• Exposure to skin causes irritation and burns. The United States Department of Labor recommends immediately washing the affected areas with soap and water if you do come into contact with chlorine dioxide. Wear protective clothing and equipment to prevent contact with the skin if you know you could come in contact with the gas.

Eye Irritant

• Chlorine dioxide can irritate eyes, causing pain, watering of the eyes and blurry sight. Wash your eyes out thoroughly with water if chlorine dioxide makes contact with your eyes.

Damages Tissue

• The skin can absorb the gas, which can damage tissue and blood cells. Wear protective clothing to help prevent the gas from reaching your skin, as directed by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Respiratory Problems

• Inhalation of the gas usually results in coughing, headaches, sore throat, and pulmonary edema, or fluid accumulation in the lungs. It also causes bronchio spasma -- a sudden contraction of the airways that happens during asthma attacks -- which leads to difficulty breathing. The symptoms may take a while to show up, but they will last for a long time. Long-term exposure can lead to bronchitis, an inflammation of the airways that lead to the lungs.

Reproduction and Development

• The gas may cause problems with reproduction and development, although it is not scientifically confirmed.