The resulting cholera epidemic spread to neighbouring countries causing 1,000,000 cases of cholera and more than 10,000 deaths. Chlorine products are effective and economical as household bleach and as disinfectants to destroy and deactivate a wide range of dangerous microbes in homes, hospitals, swimming pools and spas, hotels, restaurants and other public places. Swimming remains a very popular, healthy leisure pastime thanks in part to the benefits of chlorine. Disinfectants based on this element keep swimming pool water safe by killing a range of dangerous microbes which could otherwise threaten health. Medical applications Chlorine-based plastics are used in bags for intravenous drips and blood transfusions, and in sterile tubing.
Chlorine is essential in producing many life-saving medicines.
Stops infections In hospitals, chlorine compounds help protect patients from infections through their use in cleaning, disinfection and as antiseptics. Disinfect kidney dialysis machines. Clean and disinfect work surfaces and equipment in medical laboratories. Kill bacteria such as those which cause Legionnaire's disease, and which can live in hospital water and air conditioning systems. An example is the natural antibiotic vancomycin, which is the only effective medicine in fighting hospital Staphylococcus infections, or methylene chloride, extensively used as a process solvent for coating tablets.