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. One-quarter of medical devices contain chlorine. For example, chlorine-based plastics are used to make intravenous drips and blood bags, sterile tubing and packaging, prosthetics and heart catheters. Silver chloride is used for mammography and X-ray films. Chlorine is also used to make the semiconductors for diagnostic instruments, and polystyrene coolers for organ transplants.
Common salt is the basis of intravenous saline solutions.
Bullet-resistant vests consist of aramid fibres made using chlorine. Enhancing living standards Many sports and other leisure activities depend on modern equipment made using chlorine-based products. Without chlorine-based products, everyday life would simply grind to a halt. Standards of living are improved by many products which could not be made without chlorine. Key among these is PVC, the most versatile polymer available.