Public Safety Chlorine decontaminates public water supplies damaged by natural disasters, such as floods, tornadoes and earthquakes. In cars, chlorine is used in the manufacture of nylon for seat belts and air bags. In house construction, chlorine chemistry is needed for PVC window frames and pipes, concrete, insulation, adhesives, paints and carpeting. Consumer products, such as toiletries and cosmetics, contact lenses, televisions and compact discs depend on chlorine chemistry. Many car components rely on chlorine, including upholstery, bumpers and mats, dashboards, fan and alternator belts, hoses, gaskets and seals.
Chlorine is one of the most common elements in nature.
It occurs in plants and animals. Key natural sources of organochlorines are the oceans, forest fires, volcanoes and living organisms including bacteria, fungi, plants and marine organisms. Chlorinated compounds are found in our blood, skin and teeth and, as hydrochloric acid, in our digestive system. Environment More than one third of all chlorine made in Western Europe is recycled and re-used within the production plants. Because chlorine is toxic, producers have endeavoured to locate production and processing facilities together on the same site, thus minimising transportation.