Why is chlorine such a strong disinfectant?
Quick Answer
Chlorine disinfects because it forms reactive compounds in water that attack cell membranes, proteins and DNA. That makes it effective against many bacteria and viruses.
The Full Story
Chlorine is a powerful disinfectant because when dissolved in water it forms hypochlorous acid and related reactive species. These chemicals damage essential parts of microorganisms, including proteins, membranes and genetic material, so the microbes cannot survive or reproduce. Chlorine-based treatment has been crucial for public health, especially since large-scale water chlorination was adopted in the early 20th century. Modern water treatment often uses carefully controlled chlorine levels to balance disinfection with safety.
Key Facts
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