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. 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.