Thanks to a certain element their jobs are safer. The element is chlorine. It also plays a vital role in the production of electronic equipment used by emergency response professionals, including police radios, telephones, microprocessors, computers and computer discs. Chlorine's unique qualities help outfit our heros as well. Chlorine chemistry helps form the strong aramid fibers used to make bullet-resistant vests, which have been credited with saving the lives of more than 1,800 police officers in the last 20 years.
Chlorine also helps create the hard plastic used to make protective helmets and face shields.
Firefighters also rely on chlorine to keep them safe on the job. Chlorine chemistry is a vital component of the fire-resistant clothing that provides a shield against flames. In addition to providing protection for people who save lives for a living, chlorine chemistry is a driving force of auto safety. Chlorine is used to produce nylon, which makes seat belts and air bags strong, durable and dependable, and helps produce the sealant used in air bags.