Chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) is one of the most effective and versatile disinfectants available, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. At Selective Micro, we produce high-purity chlorine dioxide trusted in industries where safety, precision, and regulatory compliance aren’t optional.
Our formula is backed by EPA registration, FDA approvals, NSF certifications, and OMRI Listing, giving customers the confidence that it’s safe, compliant, and proven.
Recent bans on certain low-grade “dirty ClO₂” products in the U.S. have shown why quality and compliance matter more than ever. Here are five of the most common misconceptions about ClO₂—and the truth about why Ultra-Pure ClO₂ is different.
1. “Isn’t that just bleach?”
No. Chlorine dioxide is not bleach, and it’s far more powerful. Our Ultra-Pure ClO₂ has been proven effective even when diluted 200 times more than bleach, while still delivering better disinfection results.
Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is a non-selective oxidizer that can corrode surfaces, damage equipment, and create harmful chlorinated byproducts. Ultra-Pure ClO₂ selectively targets contaminants, works at lower concentrations, and leaves no harmful residues, making it safer and more effective for sensitive environments.
2. “Chlorine dioxide is dangerous to handle.”
Improperly made bulk ClO₂ can be hazardous, but our Ultra-Pure ClO₂ is generated on-demand using our patented micro-reactor technology. This sealed, precision-controlled process eliminates the risks of bulk chemical storage and inconsistent purity, ensuring safe handling from production to application.
3. “All ClO₂ is the same.”
Not even close.
- Dirty ClO₂: Bulk-manufactured with contaminants like residual sodium chlorite and chlorate, often unstable and unsafe. These contaminants can cause unwanted taste, odor, and potential health risks if misused.
- Stabilized ClO₂: Not actually ClO₂ gas, but a sodium chlorite solution that must be chemically activated, often with inconsistent results.
- Ultra-Pure ClO₂ from Selective Micro: Generated fresh on-site with unmatched purity, free from harmful byproducts, and backed by a full regulatory portfolio.
4. “ClO₂ leaves toxic residues on food or surfaces.”
When generated and used properly, pure ClO₂ breaks down into harmless byproducts. Our Ultra-Pure ClO₂ is NSF-certified for potable water and approved for food-contact surfaces without rinsing at certain concentrations. Lower-purity alternatives can leave behind harmful residues, which is one reason some products have been removed from the U.S. market.
5. “Chlorine dioxide is just another form of chlorine.”
Even though they share part of the same name, chlorine (Cl₂) and chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) are completely different chemicals with different structures, reactivity, and byproducts.
Chlorine gas is highly reactive, forms harmful chlorinated byproducts, and gives water a strong taste and odor. Chlorine dioxide is a selective oxidizer that disinfects without producing trihalomethanes (THMs) or haloacetic acids (HAAs). It’s more effective at lower concentrations and better suited for applications that require both safety and precision.
The Bottom Line
Not all ClO₂ is created equal. The difference between Ultra-Pure ClO₂ and lower-grade “dirty” or “stabilized” ClO₂ is the difference between precision-engineered safety and uncontrolled risk.
When you choose Selective Micro Technologies, you’re getting the purest and most effective chlorine dioxide available, proven to outperform bleach and chlorine, generated safely on-demand, and backed by unmatched regulatory credentials.