Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) is a fast-acting disinfectant and odor neutralizer. Because ClO2 is a powerful oxidizing agent, it rapidly reduces bacteria, yeast and viruses upon contact. Chlorine dioxide is not a recent discovery. Humphry Davy first produced the compound in 1811. Today, ClO2 is primarily used as a disinfectant for municipal water supplies, especially those with odor and taste problems. It is also extensively used as a bleaching agent in the pulp and paper industry. Some newer applications for ClO2 include the disinfection of fruit, vegetables, meat and poultry, flume water disinfection, and the treatment of medical waste. Until recently, however, chlorine dioxide was not available for use on a small-scale basis because the gas must be generated at the point of use and could not be easily transported. 2. What is the "DioxiCare® System"? The DioxiCare System is Frontier Pharmaceutical's proprietary technology that harnesses the power of ClO2 for personal care uses such as oral care, wound management and hard surface disinfection. The patented DioxiCare System is specially formulated to generate chlorine dioxide for immediate use, unlike other ClO2 products. The inventive 2-part system enables the user to produce the active ingredient on command, and at a physiologically agreeable pH. The DioxiCare System actually produces a chlorous acid/chlorine dioxide complex, which increases its disinfection ability. Frontier's versatile products are available in several liquid and gel formulas, as well as in a toothpaste. Chlorine dioxide was first used for drinking water disinfection in 1944 at The Niagara Falls New York water treatment plant. Currently, there are approximately 400 - 500 water treatment plants in the United States and over 500 in Europe that use ClO2 to purify municipal drinking water systems. Numerous studies have shown chlorine dioxide to have no adverse health effects, either by skin contact or ingestion. 4. What's the difference between chlorine and chlorine dioxide? While chlorine dioxide ClO2 has chlorine in its name, chlorine dioxide's chemistry is different than that of chlorine. Unlike the more common chlorine, chlorine dioxide is non-mutagenic, non-carcinogenic, and relatively non-irritating. ClO2 for example, when exposed to water does not form hydrochloric acid as does chlorine, nor does it combine with organics to form chlorinated hydrocarbons, which are carcinogenic. One atom can make all the difference. Similarly, hydrogen is an explosive gas. But when combined with oxygen, it becomes dihydrogen oxide--commonly known as water (H2O). 5. What is the difference between "Active" chlorine dioxide and "Stabilized" chlorine dioxide? Stabilized chlorine dioxide is a misleading term that is unfortunately in widespread use. There are only trace amounts of chlorine dioxide in "stabilized chlorine dioxide". The correct description of this is stabilized chlorite. The chlorite is stabilized with a buffer and peroxide at a pH of about 7. Though chlorite, or stabilized chlorite, is also an oxidizing agent, it is not nearly as powerful as chlorine dioxide. Chlorine dioxide, unlike chlorite, is a gas that must be generated at the time of application by mixing 2 separate parts. With the DioxiCare System, the term "active" chlorine dioxide is used to distinguish between the real and the unreal. Frontier's DioxiCare System is a patented formulation that speeds the formation of ClO2 and chlorous acid, making the disinfectant immediately available for use, unlike any other ClO2 products. Because ClO2 is "unstable", meaning it slowly dissipates with time, the two components of the DioxiCare System are mixed just prior to use in order to assure freshness of the preparation. 7. How long will DioxiCare freshen my breath? Halimeter studies have shown that DioxiRinse mouthwash eliminates bad breath for 3 - 4 hours after use. In a second stringent clinical study, the breath of 15 halitosis patients was evaluated the day after rinsing with DioxiRinse mouthwash. Even the next day, their odor scores where half the pretreatment value. This was measured by human judges and by halimeter readings. Furthermore, after one rinse with DioxiRinse, bacterial load was reduced by 60%. 8. Whom can I speak with for more information? For further information, email custservice@frontierpharm.com or call toll free at 1-800-767-3486 weekdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 p.m. EST. |
