Hypochlorite, a compound containing chlorine, is commonly used for cleaning and water purification. Sodium and calcium hypochlorite are the two most common forms. Calcium hypochlorite is more stable and is preferred for small water systems. However, both compounds can be dangerous if ingested or inhaled. Special measures are taken to counteract decomposition in sunlight.
Chlorine is a natural substance. Hypochlorite is a chemical compound containing chlorine in an oxidized state, meaning it has lost electrons. The two most common forms are sodium hypochlorite and calcium hypochlorite.
The production of hypochlorite dates back to 1789. It was produced when chlorine gases passed through a soda ash solution. The resulting sodium hypochlorite was called Javel water, after the place in France where the procedure was performed. This is a liquid chemical normally used for cleaning and purification and, in a solution, is commonly known as chlorine bleach. Some water purifiers and cleaning products also contain the substance.
The first method of producing hypochlorite was not as efficient as current methods and the solution was considerably weaker. After Javel water was made, people kept looking for better ways to make it. This led to a process which involved the extraction of chlorinated lime, known as calcium hypochlorite or bleaching powder.
Chlorinated lime is usually a white or grayish-white powder, but it is also available in tablet form. It is a strong oxidant and is considered more stable than sodium hypochlorite. It is also believed to provide more chlorine.
One of its most popular uses is to make swimming pools and hot tubs hygienic. It can also be used to purify drinking water. In industrial settings, it is often used to clean bedding and other fabrics.
The choice of whether to use sodium or calcium hypochlorite as a purifier usually depends on the amount of water used. Calcium compound is usually reserved for jobs involving less than five million gallons of water per day. This includes small water systems, such as those installed in developing countries. The type of water can also be taken into consideration. The sodium compound is typically preferable for hard water.
Although the use of calcium sodium hypochlorite is common in both domestic and industrial settings, these chemical compounds can be dangerous. They can be dangerous to health if ingested, although in most cases they are not fatal if only a small amount is ingested. If these compounds are ingested, experts usually recommend the person drink water or milk. Only mild stomach irritation should result, which will eventually subside.
These chemicals can also be dangerous if inhaled. The risk posed by inhalation increases when substances are mixed with ammonia. When combined, chlorine and ammonia can produce a toxic gas that causes serious respiratory problems. Calcium hypochlorite is corrosive and appropriate measures must be taken to ensure the dust is not inhaled into the lungs.
Hypochlorite compounds are generally considered unstable. The calcium compound, however, is considered to be more stable than its sodium counterpart. Both tend to decompose in sunlight, but special measures are often taken to counteract this reaction in chemicals that will be exposed to the sun, such as pool cleaners.
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