What is chlorine?
Chlorine is one of the most reactive chemical elements. It reacts with many compounds and almost all elements. Bound forms of chlorine are, for example, chlorides. Elemental chlorine is gaseous and has a yellow-green colour and a pungent odour. Due to its high reactivity, pure chlorine occurs relatively rarely in nature. It is usually detected in drinking water as chloride. Because it is versatile, chlorine is one of the most industrially produced chemicals.
How does chlorine get into drinking water?
Due to its disinfecting effect, chlorine is often used to purify water. The slightly perceptible smell of chlorine in public swimming pools is well known. For hygienic reasons, constant water disinfection is indispensable to eliminate dangerous intestinal bacteria such as Escherichia coli permanently.
What are the consequences of chlorine in drinking water?
When water is chlorinated, hypochlorite is produced, the disinfecting effect used in water treatment. However, chlorine also reacts with other components in the water. This process produces substances that are toxic and sometimes even carcinogenic. This can lead to brain disorders, malformations and miscarriages. There is a particular danger for pregnant women, babies and small children.
Who is responsible for chlorine in drinking water?
Suppose the municipal utility decides to disinfect the water in an area for a given reason. In that case, it does so with a low dosage. Care is taken to ensure that the water does not subsequently exceed the limit values of the Drinking Water Ordinance.
Is your drinking water free of pollutants?
A laboratory water test can tell. Get your water test kit at the IVARIO-Shop.