Chlorine: A Strong Disinfectant That Kills Several Types of Micro-Organisms, Viruses and Organisms (Pathogens), Which Cause Water-Borne Diseases

 

Chlorine serves as an effective disinfectant for drinking water, bathing facilities, and other water supply applications. However, some health officials and environmentalists question the continued use of chlorine in our water supplies because of its known effects on natural environments and human health. Chlorine, which is also used as industrial cleaners, is a very strong disinfectant that kills several types of micro-organisms, viruses and organisms (pathogens) which cause water-borne diseases. Chlorine can provide ongoing protection of your drinking water.

Unfortunately, if you look at some of the reports about chlorination in water systems around the country, you'll find that over the years, there have been many problems with the use of chlorine. How much chlorine should be used in our drinking water? The Environmental Protection Agency in the U.S. has established safe levels for various water systems, including the maximum amount of disinfection that can be achieved by using a shower or spa filter. The safe levels range from two to four milligrams per liter. For most homes, the range is one to two milligrams per Liter.

Chlorine was first used to treat water for public consumption back in the late 1800s. Back then, the use of chlorine was fairly large because it was so expensive. Today, the cost of chlorination has come down significantly, and it is now possible to purchase a home water purifier that uses chlorine as only a byproduct. A water purification device that filters chlorine will usually come with a kit that includes a water filter, a storage tank, and an activated carbon filter to remove chlorine taste and odor. There are even some homeowners who find it unnecessary to purchase a purifier.

Chlorine levels are usually tested by the local treatment facility before people are allowed to bathe or drink tap water. It is very important to make sure that the levels of chlorine in your tap water are not more than the maximums recommended by the health department. This is because some scientists believe that the levels of chlorine affect the development of certain types of cancer. The risk of developing cancer increases with the amount of chlorine in the water. So, if you want to make sure that your family is safe from the possible dangers of chlorinated water, you should consider installing a water purifier at home.

Global Chlorine Market is expected to witness robust growth as Spanish Chemicals Giant Ercros S.A. Completed Expansion of its chlorine-caustic soda plant in Vila-Seca I factory

 

Chlorine is the most common oxidizing agent used in public water supplies. With the US Public Health Service (PHS) recommending that the public water systems across the United States be tested for this hazardous chemical, the number of people who are aware of the hazards posed by exposure to chlorination has dramatically increased. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is responsible for defining the human cancer risk associated with exposure to this compound. Because of this exposure, the role of chlorination in controlling water quality should be seriously considered.

Rapid growth of the chemical industry in both developed and emerging economies is expected to drive growth of the global chlorine market. The chemicals sector has witnessed massive growth with increasing demand for various chemical end-use industries. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the Indian chemicals sector is expected to reach US$ 300 billion in 2025, registering an annual growth rate of around 15-20%. According to the same source, organic and inorganic chemicals export accounted for US$ 13.85 billion from April to November 2020. Chlorine has diverse applications, typically being used as a disinfectant. It is used to treat drinking water and swimming pool water. Besides, it is used to make numerous consumer products such as paints, paper, textiles, and insecticides. Hence, these factors are expected to drive growth of the global chlorine market. Furthermore, increasing demand for PVC from the construction sector is expected to propel the global chlorine market growth in the near future.

However, negative environmental impacts and energy-intensive operations are expected to restrain growth of the global chlorine market. Rapid developments in emerging markets such as China, India, and Japan can present lucrative growth opportunities for industry players in the near future. Among regions, Asia Pacific is expected to witness significant growth in the global chlorine market. This is owing to increasing demand for PVC in automotive, construction, and packaging sectors across the region. Besides, rampant growth of chemicals sector is expected to boost the regional market growth. Furthermore, North America is expected to register a robust growth rate, owing to growing shift from mercury-based production to membrane-based technology in the region.

Key companies involved in the global chlorine market are Nouryon, Tosoh Corporation, BASF SE, Tata Chemicals Ltd., Ercros S.A., OLIN Corporation, Formosa Plastics Corporation, Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY), FMC Corporation, and Hanwha Chemical Corporation.

For instance, in October 2019, Ercros S.A., a Spanish chemicals company, expanded its chlorine-caustic soda plant in Vila-Seca I factory with a new electrolyzer.