CDS PRECAUTIONS
Chlorine Dioxide
Although it contains “chlorine” in its name, it is very different from Hypochlorite (bleach), although both are usually confused.
When we mix sodium chlorite with acid, we generate chlorine dioxide which is always yellow and having a "swimming pool" smell. But if we mix hyperchlorite with an acid; very strong and toxic gases will be produced, which are totally unbearable.
In addition, the reaction creates quite a few effervescent bubbles, which is not the case with sodium chlorite.
Do not inhale chlorine dioxide gases massively for a long time, as it can cause irritation in the throat and breathing difficulties. In small amounts for a short time it is safe, as shown by the studies of Dr. Norio Ogata. Scientific documentation on the toxicity of chlorine dioxide refers in principle to inhalation, which is not the same as ingestion in small amounts, which is in fact harmless.
Water is always added to the mixture obtained, when we activate sodium chlorite with the acid, obtaining chlorine dioxide in this way. It is never used in concentrated form. If you splash any liquid on your skin or clothing, wash it off with plenty of water and you will be fine.
Do not use metal containers! Metal containers react with chlorine dioxide as they oxidize (rust). This includes stainless steel, as it is an alloy that contains various metals, such as nickel and chrome.
Do not use rubber droppers, as they do not have enough resistance to the alkaline pH 13 of sodium chlorite and over time, the rubber can dissolve in the liquid, leaving particles in the solution. These are also unsuitable for droppers since the drops dispensed are way too large.
Sodium chlorite (NaClO2) should be stored in PP / HDPE / PE ophthalmic dropper bottles. All these materials are resistant and withstand alkalinity and acidity (pH 13 / pH 1), and maintain the properties for many years. Transparent plastics of the PET type are not recommended for storing concentrated sodium chlorite for a long time, since in the long run they disintegrate and leave residues in the sodium chlorite solution.
PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) contains carbon atoms (the "C" in the drawing), which due to its proximity to oxygen it has a low electron density. It turns out to be sensitive and reacts with sodium chlorite (NaClO2) because of the high pH, and then the polymer chains disintegrate over time. It is suitable for CDS when having a neutral pH.
Using citric acid as an activator can cause intestinal acidosis with diarrhea, malaise, citrobacter (a bacterium that feeds on citrate) in sensitive people. This mixture is no longer used although it works, 4% HCL is better (if there is only a stronger concentration, it is lowered with distilled water until obtaining 4%).
Note: Citric acid can be used to make CDS, since it does not enter the final mixture using a cold method, because only the gas created that bubbles through the water that absorbs this gas is used, turning yellow and becoming saturated with chlorine dioxide.
CDS should not be used for occlusive dressings in concentrated form, although as a spray it is harmless to the skin. Caution: People taking Warfarin should reduce the dose by measuring their coagulation values as CDS improves blood viscosity as well.
How can I know if the sodium chlorite is in a bad state?
The indicator of whether the product is wrong is its color. If the chlorite, which should be clear, turns milky after being activated, it has gone bad. The activated color of the CD / MMS must always be transparent yellow-amber, before it is diluted with water.
PET bottles (transparent plastic bottles should not be used with sodium chlorite, due to its pH13 (they can be used with CDS since its pH is neutral. Glass is the best option if it does not have to be transported and battered about).