Why Ultra-Pure Chlorine Dioxide Gas is Superior to Ethylene Gas for Diverse Applications

When it comes to chemical solutions for cleaning, deodorization, and sanitation across various industries, the debate often arises: which gas is more effective—Chlorine Dioxide (ClO₂) or Ethylene (C₂H₄)? At Selective Micro Technologies, we believe that ultra-pure chlorine dioxide gas is far superior to ethylene gas across a range of applications, from odor elimination to microbial control. Here’s why.

1. Effective Odor Elimination

Ethylene gas is known primarily for its role in agriculture, specifically in the ripening of fruits. However, it lacks effectiveness when it comes to odor removal. Ultra-pure chlorine dioxide gas, on the other hand, excels in targeting and neutralizing odors at a molecular level, making it ideal for environments such as vehicles, public restrooms, waste treatment facilities, and more. The Clobberizer, one of our flagship products, leverages ultra-pure ClO₂ gas to eliminate even the most stubborn odors—something ethylene gas simply cannot match.

Why ClO₂ Wins: Chlorine dioxide gas penetrates deep into surfaces and air pockets, eliminating odors by oxidizing odor-causing compounds like sulfides, amines, and other organic materials. Ethylene gas lacks this capability and only serves a specific function in fruit ripening.

2. Superior Microbial Control

One of the key advantages of ultra-pure chlorine dioxide gas is its efficacy as a disinfectant. ClO₂ has been proven to kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, making it a trusted solution in healthcare, food safety, and sanitation applications. Ethylene gas, in contrast, has no such microbial properties and is not used in sanitation.

Why ClO₂ Wins: Chlorine dioxide works by disrupting the cellular processes of microorganisms, effectively killing them without producing harmful byproducts like trihalomethanes (THMs), a known carcinogen. Ethylene gas does not offer any comparable antimicrobial benefits.

3. Safety and Environmental Impact

While both gases have applications in different fields, chlorine dioxide gas has a safety edge when properly handled. It does not accumulate in the environment and breaks down into harmless byproducts such as water, oxygen, and sodium chloride. Ethylene gas, though generally regarded as safe for its intended use in agriculture, can pose risks in other applications, particularly due to its flammability and its role as a volatile organic compound (VOC).

Why ClO₂ Wins: Ultra-pure ClO₂ gas leaves no harmful residues, making it safe for use in industries like food processing and healthcare. Ethylene gas, while suitable for agricultural use, cannot be safely or effectively used for sanitation or deodorization.

4. Versatility Across Industries

While ethylene gas has limited applications—primarily in agriculture for fruit ripening—ultra-pure chlorine dioxide gas can be used across a wide array of industries. In food and beverage processing, it serves as a sanitizer for equipment, packaging, and even direct contact with food surfaces. In the healthcare industry, it is used to sanitize hospital rooms, surgical instruments, and even sensitive areas like neonatal units. Ethylene gas simply cannot provide this level of versatility.

Why ClO₂ Wins: Ultra-pure chlorine dioxide’s broad-spectrum efficacy against a wide variety of pathogens, combined with its odor-neutralizing capabilities, make it the go-to solution for applications as diverse as automotive odor removal, healthcare sanitation, and industrial water treatment. Ethylene gas has a niche role in agriculture, but its use cases are limited in comparison.

Conclusion: The Clear Choice

For businesses that require an efficient, versatile, and environmentally safe gas solution, ultra-pure chlorine dioxide gas is the superior choice. Its efficacy in odor removal, microbial control, and broad industrial applications far surpasses that of ethylene gas, making it the ideal solution for everything from vehicle deodorization to food processing sanitation.

At Selective Micro Technologies, we are proud to offer cutting-edge products like The Clobberizer, which leverages ultra-pure ClO₂ gas to tackle even the toughest odors and contamination challenges. Trust in the proven power of chlorine dioxide for your business needs.

Why Selective Micro?

We are dedicated to crafting personalized solutions for tackling challenges related to bacteria, viruses, mold, and various microorganisms. Our commitment extends to agility and adaptability, encompassing product delivery, manufacturing, and packaging. We have a proven track record of delivering high-level solutions to some of the world's largest companies, ensuring they provide the utmost in services and products to their clientele.

Our patented chlorine dioxide generation method, which we refer to as our 'micro-reactor,' empowers you to produce ultra-pure ClO₂ anywhere across the globe. With our ingenious product configurations, we possess the capability to ship substantial quantities of hospital-grade disinfectant on a single skid.

ClO₂ Properties

  • Chlorine dioxide is more chemically selective than bleaches, ozone, or peroxides. This means that it destroys unwanted microbes without burning or corroding surfaces.
  • Chlorine dioxide is a neutral molecule. This allows it to seamlessly infiltrate growths (such as biofilm) and destroy the inner-lying molds and spores.
  • Chlorine dioxide disinfects via oxidation. The chlorine dioxide molecule has an oxidation number 2½ times higher than bleach, ozone, and peroxide, which means that lower levels of ClO₂ can accomplish the same disinfection applications as higher levels of these conventional chemicals.
  • Due to chlorine dioxide’s unique method of pathogen inactivation, viruses, bacteria, molds, and spores are unable to build up a tolerance to the ClO₂ molecule.
  • Chlorine dioxide has a high material compatibility and leaves no residual on hard, non-porous surfaces.
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  • Safe on materials
  • No effect on skin
  • Kill E. Coli, MRSA
  • Neutral pH Value

  • Are you products EPA-registered?

    Yes, our Selectrocide line of products have been tested according to current guidelines, and results verified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Our product is classified as a hospital disinfectant, which can also be used to sanitize and deodorize.

  • Are you products organic?

    Yes, many of our products have been reviewed by the Organic Materials Review Institute, or OMRI, according the National Organic Program guidelines. Our products can be used for a variety of applications in the manufacture of organic products.

  • Is your product approved by the FDA?

    Yes, our products have many Food Contact Notifications that allow direct washing of food products, such as FCNs 445, 645, 1578, 1764, and 1804.

  • Can you apply your products directly to food?

    Yes, SMT products have approvals and clearances from both the EPA and FDA as a direct antimicrobial rinse/wash for raw agricultural commodities and processed foods such as fruits, vegetables, red meat, poultry, and seafood.

  • Do you offer distributorship opportunities?

    Yes, we are willing to work with organizations in various industries to educate salesforces, provide regulatory guidance, and assist in building a distribution network for expansion of sales in your market.

  • What is chlorine dioxide used for?

    Chlorine dioxide can be used to disinfect or sanitize surfaces in virtually any area such as hospitals, labs, or food processing facilities. It can also be used as very effective space deodorizer for cars, boats, or RVs.