About Chlorite
Chlorite is a compound with chlorine in oxidation state +3. Chlorite is a yellowish-green to reddish gas with an irritating odor. Also known as salts of chlorous acid, the chemical compound is a disinfection byproduct that occurs when chlorine dioxide breaks down during the chlorination process.
What Types of Industrial Uses Does it Have?
Sodium chlorite is the most significant commercial chlorite used as a disinfectant and in the production of paper. It is used in the creation of chlorine dioxide for bleaching and disinfection. Chlorite is an essential compound for disinfection of municipal water treatment plants. Unlike other chlorine used in water treatment, sodium chlorite is FDA approved.
How Does Chlorite Get into Your Drinking Water
Chlorite, like most chlorine compounds, is a disinfection byproduct in most municipal water systems.
What are the Health Risks Associated with Chlorite?
Drinking chlorite-contaminated water above the maximum contamination level (MCL) may have adverse effects on the nervous system of younger people and infants. Exposure to high levels of chlorite in drinking water may also affect the development of the fetus during pregnancy. Chlorite may also cause people to experience anemia if exposed to the compound for longer periods.
How Common is Chlorite in Water?
Just like with other chlorine, chlorite is a disinfection byproduct found in treated water systems. The chlorination process produces chlorite, and the residue remains in the water until it is removed.
What is the EPA’s Contamination Level Standards for Chlorite in Drinking Water?
The MCLG for chlorite in drinking water is set at 0.80 mg/L or 800 ppb. The EPA’s MCL is at 1.0 mg/L or 1 ppm.
What is the Best Reduction Media for Removing Chlorite from Drinking Water?
Modern water filtration systems are designed to remove the new generation of contaminants in tap water. Chlorite and other chemical compounds are removed from drinking water with the use of filter media like granular activated carbon (GAC). An AquaOx filter system is equipped with premium activated carbon to eliminate contaminants from your drinking water. Keep the family safe by installing a whole house water filter system today!
| Chemical Names: | CHLORITE; Chlorite ion; Chlorite(1-); 14998-27-7; Chlorine dioxide ion(1-); Dioxidochlorate |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula: | ClO2– |
| Molecular Weight: | 67.448 g/mol |
| InChI Key: | QBWCMBCROVPCKQ-UHFFFAOYSA-M |
| Substance Registry: | FDA UNII |
The chlorite ion is ClO2-. A chlorite (compound) is a compound that contains this group, with chlorine in oxidation state +3. Chlorites are also known as salts of chlorous acid.
Source: Human Metabolome Database (HMDB)
Record Name: Chlorite
URL: http://www.hmdb.ca/metabolites/HMDB0002077
Description: The Human Metabolome Database (HMDB) is a freely available electronic database containing detailed information about small molecule metabolites found in the human body.
CHLORITES, INORGANIC, N.O.S. is a crystalline solids or aqueous solutions of these solids. Solids are likely to be water soluble and are denser than water.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
URL: https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/chemical/2866
