The World Health Organization estimates that 25,000 children die from waterborne diseases each day in parts of the world where chlorinated water is not used. Chlorine chemistry is integral to the manufacture of 85 percent of all pharmaceuticals, including vitamins and medicines that treat heart disease, hypertension, ulcers, leukemia, arthritis, pneumonia, allergies and symptoms of the common cold. Chlorine ensures a wide selection of nutritious and low-cost grains and produce. About 96 percent of crop-protection chemicals use chlorine in the manufacturing process. Chlorine is a critical building block.
Modern plastics are a product of chlorine chemistry.
One of the most versatile and widely used plastics is vinyl. The durability, cost-effectiveness and other attractive properties of vinyl make it especially popular for building and construction. Common uses include residential siding, flooring, window and door frames, and roofing as well as plumbing and electrical applications. Additional Materials Chlorine Does a World of Good . 1992 video which discusses the many beneficial uses of chlorine.