🍽️ Sodium hypochlorite {Chlorinated Drinking Water}

Waterborne Disease Prevention: Chlorination of drinking water is highly effective in killing pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, thereby reducing the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery, and gastroenteritis. Chlorine disinfection helps ensure that drinking water is safe for consumption by destroying harmful pathogens that may be present in untreated water sources.

Reduced Incidence of Infectious Diseases: Chlorine-treated drinking water has been instrumental in reducing the incidence of waterborne infectious diseases worldwide, particularly in areas where access to clean water and sanitation facilities is limited. By eliminating or reducing the presence of disease-causing microorganisms in water supplies, chlorination helps protect public health and prevent outbreaks of waterborne illnesses.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs): Chlorine disinfection can lead to the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) when chlorine reacts with organic matter present in water sources. Common DBPs include trihalomethanes (THMs), haloacetic acids (HAAs), chlorite, and chlorate. Some DBPs have been associated with potential health risks, including an increased risk of cancer, reproductive effects, and adverse effects on the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. Regulatory agencies establish guidelines and standards for DBP levels in drinking water to minimize health risks associated with exposure to DBPs.

Respiratory Effects: Chlorine exposure from chlorinated water or indoor swimming pools may irritate the respiratory tract and exacerbate symptoms in individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Chlorine gas released during water chlorination or from chlorinated water can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs, leading to coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, particularly in susceptible individuals.

Skin and Eye Irritation: Chlorine exposure in swimming pools or chlorinated water sources can cause skin and eye irritation, especially in individuals with sensitive skin or pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema or dermatitis. Chlorine can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, itching, redness, and irritation. Eye irritation, including redness, burning, and tearing, may occur when chlorinated water comes into contact with the eyes.

Sensitization Reactions: Prolonged or repeated exposure to chlorine may lead to sensitization reactions, where individuals develop allergic or hypersensitivity reactions to chlorine or its byproducts. Sensitization reactions can manifest as contact dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, or asthma-like symptoms upon exposure to chlorinated water, cleaning products containing chlorine, or chlorinated indoor environments.

Occupational Exposure: Workers involved in water treatment, swimming pool maintenance, or industrial processes that use chlorine may be at risk of occupational exposure to chlorine gas or chlorine-containing chemicals. Occupational exposure to chlorine can cause acute respiratory symptoms, eye irritation, skin burns, and systemic effects such as headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Proper safety measures, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and engineering controls, are essential to minimize the risk of chlorine exposure and protect worker health.