User:Mr. Ibrahem/Chlorine-releasing compounds

Chlorine-releasing compounds, also known as chlorine base compounds, are a family of chemicals that release chlorine. They are widely used to disinfect water, medical equipment, and surface areas as well as bleaching materials such as cloth. The presence of organic matter can make them less effective as disinfectants. They come as a powder that is mixed with water before use.

Side effects if contact occurs may include skin irritation and chemical burns to the eye. They may also cause corrosion and therefore may require being rinsed off. Specific compounds in this family include sodium hypochlorite, monochloramine, halazone, chlorine dioxide, and sodium dichloroisocyanurate. They are effective against a wide variety of microorganisms including bacterial spores.

Chlorine-releasing compounds first came into use as bleaching agents around 1785, and as disinfectants in 1915. They are on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. The wholesale cost in the developing world is about US$0.01–0.02 per 500 mg of the chloramine type. They are used extensively in both the medical and the food industry.