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Chlorine dioxide is used in the disinfection of water and bleaching of wood pulp. It can also be used for air disinfection, and was the principal agent used in the decontamination of buildings in the US after the 2001 anthrax attacks. It is effective against viruses, bacteria and protozoa – including the cysts of Giardia and the oocysts of Cryptosporidium.
Chlorine dioxide, ClO2 is produced by reducing sodium chlorate in a strong acid solution with a suitable reducing agent (for example, sodium chloride, sulfur dioxide, or hydrochloric acid).
2ClO3- + 2Cl- + 4H+ → 2ClO2 + Cl2 + 2H2O
References
National Library of Medicine (US)