In addition to purifying water, chlorine helps remove tastes and odours, controls the growth of slime and algae in mains pipes and storage tanks, and helps to remove unwanted nitrogen compounds from water. By 1960, this figure had fallen to fewer than 20. In 1991, a misinterpretation of US law resulted in a voluntary suspension by Peru's government of chlorination of water supplies. 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.