Chlorine Uses

Chlorine is one of the most essential chemical element for various life forms, including humans. Though it is present in abundance in the nature, it is most often found combined with various other elements, such as sodium and sylvite. Multiple uses of chlorine makes it one of the most important chemical elements in the world.

Chlorine Properties
The atomic number of chlorine is 17, while its symbol is Cl. Its atomic mass is 35.453 g.mol^-1. It is a member of the halogen family of elements, which also includes iodine, bromine and fluorine. The density of this element is 3.2 g/L. At room temperature, chlorine is found in a gaseous state. It has a yellowish green color and a pungent odor, which makes it smell like bleach. Its melting point is -150.7 °F, while its boiling point is -29.27 °F. in order to store and transport, this chemical element has to be pressurized and cooled.

Chlorine Uses in Everyday Life
Chlorine is used in various aspects of our everyday life. It is used as a disinfectant in various water-treatment plants all over the world. Spread of waterborne diseases can be curbed by using chlorine in the water. Other than the water treatment plants, chlorine is used in pools to curb bacterial growth. Use of chlorine in sewage and waste treatment plants is also quite popular. Even though chlorine doesn't catch fire easily, it can be used with some other substances to form explosive compounds.

Chlorine Uses in Medicine
Approximately 85 percent of medications used to treat a range of diseases, right from depression to arthritis, contain chlorine. Various compounds of chlorine are used as antiseptics as well as cleaning and disinfecting agents in medical facilities. They are also used in killing bacteria which tend to accumulate in water puddles and air conditioning systems, in hospitals as well as outside. These compounds prevent bacterial growth in wounds and burns. Some of these compounds are also used in disinfecting various machines and equipment used by the medical fraternity. Chlorine is also used to produce a range of medical devices, including intravenous drips and heart catheters.

Chlorine Uses in Industry
Chlorine easily dissolves in water to form a mixture of hydrochloric acid and hypochlorous acid. Also known as chlorine water, this mixture is an excellent oxidizing agent, which is used in paper industry and fabric industry for the purpose of bleaching. Other than this chlorine is also used in preparing dyes, insecticides, explosives, metals, paints, plastics, refrigerants and solvents.

Chlorine Uses in the Body
In human body, chlorine is present in form of soluble salts referred to as chloride. Along with sodium and water, chloride work as a mineral electrolyte, and plays a crucial role in distribution of fluids throughout the body. Chloride also helps in maintaining the fluid balance, both within as well as outside the cells. It is also essential for maintaining the require blood volume and proper blood pressure.

These chlorine uses and properties make it one of the most sought-after chemical element on the planet. Though there are several uses of chlorine, there are some potential harmful effects as well. One has to be careful when using chlorine, as ingestion or inhaling chlorine can result in harmful effects on the body.