Coronavirus - EN

The chemical formula of chlorine dioxide is ClO₂ and according to the Chemical Abstracts Services (CAS) from Chemical American Society its CAS number is 10049-04-4. In this formula, it is clear that there is one chlorine atom (Cl) and two oxygen atoms (O₂) in a chlorine dioxide molecule. These 3 atoms are held together by electrons to form the ClO₂ molecule. It can be used as a saturated gas in distilled water and can therefore be drunk or applied directly to the skin and mucous membranes, with appropriate dilutions. Andreas Ludwig Kalcker, Biophysicist and Researcher, standardized a saturation of the gas in distilled water called chlorine dioxide solution or CDS (National Library of Medicine 2020).

The discovery of the ClO₂ molecule in 1814 is attributed to the scientist Sir Humphrey Davy. ClO₂ is different from the element chlorine (Cl), both in its chemical and molecular structure, as well as in its behavior. ClO₂, as has already been widely reported, can have toxic effects if the necessary care is not observed for its various uses and the appropriate recommendations for human consumption are not respected. It is more than well known that clo2gas is toxic to humans if inhaled pure and/or ingested in quantities higher than recommended (Lenntech 2020, IFA 2020).

ClO₂ is one of the most effective biocides against pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, biofilms and other species of microorganisms that can cause disease. It acts by disrupting the synthesis of the pathogen’s cell wall proteins. As it is a selective oxidant, its mode of action is very similar to phagocytosis, where a mild oxidation process is used to eliminate all types of pathogens (Noszticzius et al 2013, Lenntech 2020). It is worth saying that ClO₂, generated by sodium chlorite (NaClO₂), is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States (EPA 2002) and by the World Health Organization for use in water fit for human consumption, as it leaves no toxic residues (EPA 2000, WHO 2002).

When applied at appropriate concentrations, ClO₂ does not form any halogenated products and its residual ClO₂ by-products are normally within the limits recommended by EPA (2000, 2004) and WHO (2000, 2002). Unlike chlorine gas, it does not hydrolyze readily, remaining in the water as a dissolved gas. Also in contrast to chlorine, ClO₂ remains in molecular form in the ph ranges commonly found in natural waters (EPA 2000, WHO 2002). WHO and EPA include ClO₂ in Group D (substances not classifiable in terms of human carcinogenicity) (IARC 2001, EPA 2009). According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2004, the FDA recommends that ClO₂ be allowed for use as a permitted food additive and as an antimicrobial agent (disinfectant).

Many continue to confuse ClO₂ with sodium hypochlorite (NaClO – Bleach) and the latter with sodium chlorite (NaClO₂), as well as other chemical compounds, leading to frequent inappropriate comments both in the media and among professionals due to lack of knowledge of elementary chemistry. NaClO (bleach), for example, is a potent corrosive agent and the danger due to chronic and massive exposure to NaClO is well known. It is believed that asthma symptoms developed by professionals working in contact with that substance may be due to continuous exposure to lye and other irritants.

In contact with fats, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) degrades fatty acids into glycerol and soaps (fatty acid salts), which reduces the surface tension of the remaining fat-solution interface. NaClO is responsible for the dissolution of organic tissue. Thus, it is observed that the main toxicity of the substances generated from the chemical reactions of sodium hypochlorite is the appearance of a hydroxyl NAOH radical, in the various reactions with the secretions and chemical structure of human tissues (Daniel et al 1990, Racioppi et al 1994; Estrela et al 2002, Medina-Ramon et al 2005, Fukuzaki 2006, Mohammadi 2008, Peck B et al 2011).

Based on this brief review of what chlorine dioxide is and its biocidal capacity, the results obtained by the physicians of the Ecuadorian Association of Specialists in Integrative Medicine (AEMEMI) are not surprising: Who claim the administration of CDS in appropriate and safe dilutions is an effective and low-cost alternative that can rapidly contribute to the restoration of health of the individual infected by human coronavirus type 2, and it is assumed that it can promote the reduction of morbidity and mortality, hospitalizations by COVID-19 mostly, up to 4 days (AEMEMI 2020).

Through evidence from available scientific publications demonstrating the efficacy of ClO₂ in eliminating different pathogens (Kullai-Kály et al 2020), including SARS-CoV (Tables 1, 2, 3 and 4; Taiko Pharmaceutical patent 2008), as well as the work confirming the safety of the use of chlorine dioxide for water potabilization and, more recently, the aforementioned work of AEMEMI, we evaluate positively and with great biocidal potential the use of aqueous ClO₂ solution (CDS) to combat coronaviruses (AEMEMEMI 2020, EPA 2000, WHO 2005, WHO 2002).

In this context, we are surprised that official bodies such as the Ministries of Health, PAHO/WHO and regulatory agencies and/or health entities do not recommend the use of ClO₂ and all, instead of recommending it, draw attention to its toxicity and danger, but, in their speeches, do not clearly indicate in what form and by what route of administration ClO₂ is really toxic. However, everything leads us to understand that they are referring to the pure and concentrated form of this gas and not to the formula standardized by Kalcker: the aqueous solution of chlorine dioxide (CDS), at 3,000 ppm.

Thus, to help clarify the concepts, we invite all official bodies to learn about Kalcker’s work with the aqueous solution containing gaseous chlorine dioxide (CDS). Certainly, after having this knowledge, we believe that definitely, these Agencies, which appreciate health, will naturally understand the potential of this solution for human use and from then on, they should revise their documents which may be at odds with the published scientific reality and current medical experiences and maybe they can offer this information in a clearer and more assertive way in their articles published on official websites or even in their documents.