By James Odell, OMD, ND, LAc
Praised by some as a miracle cure and condemned by others as dangerous, what’s the truth?
What is Chlorine Dioxide?
Chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) is a yellow gas composed of one chlorine atom and two oxygen atoms used primarily as a disinfectant and oxidizing agent that effectively eliminates a diverse array of pathogenic microorganisms.
It is commonly generated by mixing sodium chlorite (NaClO₂) with an acid (such as hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid). This reaction releases chlorine dioxide gas, which is highly soluble in water and is almost always used in solution form. It's widely used for water treatment, food sanitation, medical sterilization, and industrial bleaching, but likely underutilized as a medicinal antimicrobial treatment.
How it Differs From Chlorine
Despite its similar name and odor to chlorine, it differs significantly, with 2.5 times the oxidizing power. This makes it an effective tool for disinfecting drinking water, pools, and various medical applications—similar to chlorine but with one key advantage. Unlike chlorine, chlorine dioxide does not produce high levels of harmful byproducts like trihalomethanes (THMs) or halo acetic acids (HAAs) when reacting with organic matter.
Industrial Uses of Chlorine Dioxide
Until the 1970s, chlorine dioxide was rarely used for water purification because chlorine was a cheaper and more widely available option. However, since then, its use in industrial and medical sterilization has grown due to its strong oxidation properties.
In industry, ClO2 is used as a bleach at pulp mills, which make paper and paper products. It is the preferred bleaching agent because it minimizes the environmental impact of the bleaching process. 1
Chlorine dioxide is also used to sterilize medical instruments and surfaces in healthcare settings, and it is also being used systematically in the disinfection and conservation of blood transfusion bags.2, 3
In other commercial and institutional applications, chlorine dioxide is used to decontaminate public buildings and prevent the spread of Legionella and other pathogens in hospitals and universities.4 It is also used in the production of ethanol, microelectronics, nitrogen, and ammonia through its ability to control bacterial contamination.
Even more impressive, aqueous chlorine dioxide is effective against a wide spectrum of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, spores, biofilms, viruses, and protozoa, which is why it has been used in the disinfection of foods such as fruits, vegetables, spices, water, and surfaces.5, 6, 7, 8
How CIO2 Destroys Pathogens in Water Treatment Facilities
Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) has been used since 1944 in the treatment of drinking water due to its biocidal power, as well as in most bottled waters suitable for human consumption. This is due to its almost zero level of toxicity in an aqueous solution.
It is also an effective membrane treatment used to separate contaminants in water treatment plants, as well as a biocide for cooling and wastewater, and it can significantly decrease biofilms in pipework, which harbors bacteria.
As it is a selective oxidant, its mode of action is very similar to phagocytosis, where a mild oxidation process is used to eliminate all types of pathogens.9 The EPA has set the maximum concentration in the drinking water at 0.8 milligrams per liter (mg/L) for ClO2 and 1.0 mg/L for chlorite ion. The concentrations of chlorine dioxide and chlorite ion in your drinking water, however, may be lower or higher than these levels. It works effectively at low concentrations, making it a cost-efficient option for water treatment.
The compound works by removing electrons from pathogens and toxins through oxidation, breaking them down at a molecular level. After completing its oxidation process, it breaks down into trace amounts of oxygen, salt, and other harmless compounds. Chlorine dioxide is also used to not only treat municipal and drinking water supplies, but also control the water’s taste, odor, and color.10,11
How Chlorine Dioxide Works on Microorganisms
Chlorine dioxide is stated to be one of the most ideal disinfectants for treating microorganisms due to the way it inactivates them. The chemical works by attacking the structure of the bacteria as this form of oxidative attack ruptures the cell wall as ClO2 reacts with protein-based membrane components, making it impossible for bacteria to build up any resistance.
According to studies by Zoltán Noszticzius, chlorine dioxide is a size-selective antimicrobial agent that can quickly kill micrometer-sized organisms but cannot cause real harm to much larger organisms such as animals or humans, as it cannot penetrate deep into their tissues.12 Studies have also shown chlorine dioxide to be especially effective at oxidization of the spike protein.13, 14
Its gaseous properties also make chlorine dioxide highly effective at clearing biofilm slimes. These slimes protect bacteria and allow them to multiply. As a gas, ClO2 easily permeates the structure of biofilms, inactivating the component cells and causing the biofilm to break up. On the other hand, biocides such as chlorine and bromine struggle to penetrate biofilm and will often be used up reacting with the surface layer, greatly reducing efficacy.15, 16
These are also less effective as pH rises. However, chlorine dioxide is not pH sensitive, being biocidal active up to a pH of 10. It also produces fewer toxic byproducts and no methane contaminants, giving it a much better environmental profile than either chlorine or bromine.
Recent Medical Discovery Regarding Chlorine Dioxide
In 1996, Jim Humble, a gold prospector on an expedition in South America, found that chlorine dioxide could be used for more than just sanitizing drinking water, when a couple of his crew became ill from malaria. With limited medical aid available Jim decided to give a few drops to the sick men and was surprised to see that within just four hours, their malaria had been eradicated. Based on his experience, Humble began to promote chlorine dioxide as a "miracle cure" for malaria and a variety of other diseases under the name of MMS or Miracle Mineral Solution.
Meanwhile another inventor, Howard Alger, was looking for a non-corrosive sterilizer to accompany his invention of the Sonicator. This device uses ultrasonic waves (high-frequency sound waves) to agitate particles in a liquid. The process is known as sonication, and it is used for various applications, including mixing, cleaning, and emulsifying substances. Howard incidentally found that for sterilization, chlorine dioxide worked just as well. He found an easy and efficient way in producing chlorine dioxide by using sodium chlorite and an acid activator. He patented the chemical process and named it Alcyde and created the Alcyde Corporation. Under his corporation he went on to produce multiple patents and products for chlorine dioxide including those for wound disinfection, blood donation purification, oral rinse for prevention and treatment of oral infections, anti-inflammatory conditions, genital herpes, leg ulcers, fungal infections and more. Also being developed were patents involving systemic formulations for reducing inflammation in tissues along with a host of industrial applications for disinfection of food and beverages, the disinfection of surfaces within industrial, agriculture and healthcare, to name just a few.Alcyde Corporation went public in 1983 and a short time after, for unknown reasons, Alger sold his shares in the company while signing a non-compete agreement in developing chlorine dioxide products. In 1994, when the non-compete agreement was over, Alger formed the company Arco Research which became Frontier Pharmaceuticals. Prior to Alger’s death at the age of 92, he patented a method for treating cancer with chlorine dioxide. In 2004 Alcyde Corporation was acquired by the multibillion dollar company Ecolab. Since then, Ecolab has phased out development of chlorine dioxide for human applications while rebranding prior products with a focus on industrial and agricultural use.
Meanwhile, Jim Humble also founded the Genesis II Church of Health and Healing in which he marketed his MMS solution. Though Humble has sold his solution, he has created many free videos showing how to produce chlorine dioxide, passionate that this information should not be suppressed.
Mark Grenon a co-founder of the Genesis II Church of Health and Healing, with the title of and Joseph Grenon Archbishop" of the organization and his son Joseph Grenon with the title of Bishop became controversial during COVID-19 for marketing their solution as a cure to the virus. They were sentenced in 2023 for five years in federal prison each for conspiring to defraud the United States by distributing an unapproved and misbranded drug. They remain behind bars today.
Mark Grenon and Joseph Grenon aren’t the only notable proponents of chlorine dioxide, others such as Jim Humble and Howard Alger had been legally pursued for claims related to calling it a “cure.”
Despite this, due to its powerful effect against viruses and bacteria, it has begun to be used in humans to treat diseases.17, 18, 19, 20, 21 In fact, in several studies, chlorine dioxide has been found effective for the treatment of COVID 19.22 ,23, 24
Chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) oxidizes guanine (which is needed for viral nucleic acid replication), creating 8-oxoguanine. While the protein coat may still form, ClO₂ oxidation blocks the creation of a fully functional virus.25
The Villainization of Chlorine Dioxide
Surprisingly, Chlorine dioxide has been aggressively villainized by the mainstream media with backing from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) with issued warnings against the use of chlorine dioxide as a treatment for medical conditions. Despite the continuous smear campaign, there are numerous accounts encompassing a multitude of health benefits ranging from autism recovery to cancer remission.
The Three Common Forms of Chlorine Dioxide
ClO2 exists in three primary forms.
The first form is inactivated ClO2, often marketed as “miracle mineral solution” (MMS), which is sodium chlorite mixed with water. Inactivated ClO2, or MMS, relies on stomach acid for activation.
The second form is activated ClO2 (MMS1), created by mixing sodium chlorite with an acid activator-like hydrochloric acid or citric acid. MMS1 is the most common method with proven results since activation occurs when sodium chlorite (NaClO2) is combined with an acid activator-like hydrochloric acid (HCl) or citric acid. When these components are mixed,they produce chlorine dioxide, salt, and hydrogen. The activation requires 20-30 seconds before diluting water. During activation, the acid breaks down the sodium chlorite molecule, releasing chlorine dioxide gas which becomes suspended in the solution. This process must occur in a dry container before adding water for a proper chemical reaction.
The third form is referred to as “CDS” (chlorine dioxide solution), which is pure chlorine dioxide gas infused into distilled water. CDS is produced by capturing chlorine dioxide gas from activated MMS1 and infusing it into distilled water. The process involves using two containers - one holding distilled water and another smaller container holding the activated MMS1 mixture - placed within an airtight system for several hours. This method creates pure chlorine dioxide in water without any original compounds. CDS is considered "hospital grade" with no additional compounds present besides ClO2 and water. CDS is considered purer because it contains only chlorine dioxide and water, while MMS1 contains trace amounts of its component ingredients. CDS is often better tolerated by sensitive individuals and can be used in higher doses due to its purity. Several South American countries, including Bolivia, Ecuador, and Mexico, have used CDS in hospital settings, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. Documentation shows success rates between 99.6-100% among treated patients. Hospital implementation focused on CDS rather than MMS1 due to its purer form and standardized concentration levels.
The Difference in Potency Between MMS1 and CDS
One drop of MMS1 roughly equals 1-2 milliliters of CDS. However, MMS1 may have a time-release effect as the chemical reaction continues in solution, while CDS maintains a more stable concentration. The potency relationship is typically expressed as: 1-drop MMS1 = 1-2 ml of CDS.
Oral Treatment Dosage Guidelines
In general, it is best to start with a small dose. A gradual introduction allows the body to acclimate to chlorine dioxide and helps prevent excessive Herxheimer reactions. When taken internally, a Herxheimer reaction may occur when pathogens die off and release toxins faster than the body can eliminate them. Symptoms can include hyperventilation, increased heart rate, flushing, headaches, chills, and slight fever. This reaction is a known medical process that typically decreases after the first few days. The intensity varies based on individual toxic load and overall health status. Managing this reaction through proper dosing helps minimize discomfort while maintaining effectiveness.
Users should maintain records of dosages, times, reactions, and improvements. A log of symptoms before starting protocols provides a baseline for measuring progress. Any Herxheimer reactions should be documented to help adjust future dosing.
Tracking this information helps optimize protocols and provides valuable information if consultation with experienced users becomes necessary.
Note 1: While it has benefits, it’s important to note that chlorine dioxide should be used cautiously, as improper use can pose health risks. Always consult a health professional for dosage requirements as they must be exact and individualized.
Note 2: Vitamin C, antioxidants, coffee, tea, milk, sugar, and alcohol neutralize chlorine dioxide. Understanding these neutralizing agents is crucial because consuming them while taking chlorine dioxide can reduce or eliminate its effectiveness.
Note 3: Because numerous companies manufacture chlorine dioxide, not all products are the same in strength or quality. Thus, it is imperative to be completely familiar with the product and its recommended dosage before using it. The following links may assist in dosage amounts and regulation, however, do your research and seek advice from a practitioner versed in chlorine dioxide before embarking on oral treatment.
Safety
Chlorine dioxide is generally considered a safe and effective disinfectant, even at concentrations as low as 20 to 30 mg/L. Moreover, the efficacy of chlorine dioxide is mostly independent of pH. Chlorine dioxide can be effectively used to disinfect drinking water without much alteration of palatability. It can also be used to destroy pathogenic microbes, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi from vegetables and fruits.26
In a consumer setting, chlorine dioxide can be found in toothpastes, mouthwashes, and vegetable and fruit washes, and is used to treat municipal drinking water supplies. Both the EPA and FDA have approved the use of products whose active ingredient is chlorine dioxide for use in these instances, but consumers must follow the instructions as approved by the governing bodies.27
While chlorine dioxide has many benefits, it is a potent chemical and must be handled with care. Always use chlorine dioxide following regulatory guidelines and under professional supervision.
Storage Requirements
It is important that solutions are properly prepared and maintain their potency during storage. Solutions must be stored in glass or HDPE plastic containers, away from direct sunlight. CDS requires refrigeration below 11 degrees Celsius (51 Fahrenheit) and should be kept in airtight containers. MMS1 components can be stored at room temperature in separate bottles. The storage life varies significantly between forms - MMS components can last 2-4 years, while CDS maintains potency for 5-7 months when properly stored. Exposure to heat or sunlight can rapidly degrade the solutions.
Chlorine Dioxide Compared to Oxone
Chlorine dioxide is the most effective non-cytotoxic disinfectant known after ozone, and used as an aqueous solution has immense possibilities of being used therapeutically. It is also capable of penetrating and eliminating biofilm, which ozone does not do. The great advantage of the possible therapeutic use of chlorine dioxide in infections is the impossibility of bacterial or viral resistance to ClO2 since it has an oxidation mechanism unlike chlorine (Cl2) which acts by chlorination.28
Although ozone is stronger in antiseptic terms, its high oxidative potential of 2.07 and its short half-life of only 15 minutes at 25°C with a pH value of 7.0 makes it less effective than ClO2 for therapeutic applications in vivo. Chlorine dioxide is pH (-) and a size-selective oxidant and, unlike other substances, it does not react with most components of living tissues. ClO2 reacts rapidly with phenols and thiols essential for bacterial life.
Additionally, ozone as a gas can be technically difficult to administer. By contrast, biological longevity and ease of administration are key properties of chlorine dioxide.29
In Summary
In understanding the various applications of chlorine dioxide as a disinfectant, we can gain useful insight into how it can potentially treat many human conditions. In fact, many practitioners are now using oral chlorine dioxide for treatment of a wide variety of pathogenic organisms.
In summary, chlorine dioxide is a highly effective disinfectant and sanitizer with applications in water treatment, food safety, healthcare, and industry. It is clear that its potential for health and healing make it a threat to the Industrial Medical Complex that continues to have a stronghold over regulatory bodies and the public at large.
It is also clear that if chlorine dioxide is not taken correctly it can cause harm, and its use must be carefully managed to avoid health risks. As we are reminded by Paracelsus, a Swiss physician and alchemist from the 16th century, “All things are poison, and nothing is without poison; the dosage alone makes it so a thing is not a poison."
Post script: A word from Jim Humble, June 27, 2017
Below is the message Jim Humble left behind a few years before he passed away on 9/1/24.
I want to tell you about a breakthrough that can save your life, or the life of a loved one. In 1996, while on a gold mining expedition in South America, I discovered that chlorine dioxide quickly eradicates malaria. Since that time, it has proven to restore partial or full health to hundreds of thousands of people suffering from a wide range of disease, including cancer, diabetes, hepatitis A, B, C, Lyme disease, MRSA, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, HIV/AIDS, malaria, autism, infections of all kinds, arthritis, high cholesterol, acid reflux, kidney or liver diseases, aches and pains, allergies, urinary tract infections, digestive problems, high blood pressure, obesity, parasites, tumors and cysts, depression, sinus problems, eye disease, ear infections, dengue fever, skin problems, dental issues, problems with prostate (high PSA), erectile dysfunction and the list goes on. This is by far not a comprehensive list. I know it sounds too good to be true, but according to feedback I have received over the last 20 years, I think it’s safe to say MMS has the potential to overcome most diseases known to mankind.
It is important to note that MMS does not cure disease. MMS is an oxidizer, it kills pathogens and destroys poisons. When these are reduced or eliminated in the body, then the body can function properly and thereby heal. I often say, “The body heals the body”. MMS helps to line things up so the body can do just that.
I have done many things in my lifetime—gone from a backwoods boy in Alabama, to the Marines, to a nutritional and alternative health enthusiast, to Aerospace, to electronics researcher, to inventor (of many things), to gold mining. Realizing I found “real gold” when I discovered MMS, from that point on I’ve dedicated all my time and effort to helping others recover their health and to bringing this technology to the world. It is my mission to bring this knowledge of health recovery to mankind. All profits from the sales of my books go towards this mission.
References:
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https://www.lenntech.es/procesos/desinfeccion/quimica/desinfectantes-dioxido-de-cloro.htm
Baldwin, Robert T. "History of the chlorine industry." Journal of Chemical Education 4, no. 3 (1927): 313.
Walker, J. T., C. W. Mackerness, D. Mallon, T. Makin, T. Williets, and C. W. Keevil. "Control of Legionella pneumophila in a hospital water system by chlorine dioxide." Journal of industrial microbiology 15 (1995): 384-390.
Zhu, Xuhao, Sen Hui, Haohe Huang, Ren Liu, Shuangfei Wang, and Chongxing Huang. "Antimicrobial mechanism of chlorine dioxide and its impacts on postharvest management in horticultural produce: A review." Postharvest Biology and Technology 213 (2024): 112921.
Malka, Siva Kumar, and Me-Hea Park. "Fresh produce safety and quality: chlorine dioxide’s role." Frontiers in Plant Science 12 (2022): 775629.
Bridges, David F., and Vivian CH Wu. "Gaseous chlorine dioxide for postharvest treatment of produce." In Postharvest disinfection of fruits and vegetables, pp. 243-252. Academic Press, 2018.
Praeger, Ulrike, Werner B. Herppich, and Karin Hassenberg. "Aqueous chlorine dioxide treatment of horticultural produce: Effects on microbial safety and produce quality–A review." Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition 58, no. 2 (2018): 318-333.
Ison A, Odeh IN and Margerum DW (2006) Kinetics and Mechanisms of Oxidations of Chlorine Dioxide and Cysteine Chlorite and Glutathione. Inorg Chem 45: 87688775.
Burela, Alejandra, Akram Hernández-Vásquez, Daniel Comandé, Verónica Peralta, and Fabian Fiestas. "Chlorine dioxide and chlorine derivatives for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19: a systematic review." Revista Peruana de Medicina Experimental y Salud Pública 37 (2021): 605-610.
Eduardo, Insignares-Carrione, Bolano Gómez Blanca, Andrade Yohanny, Callisperis Patricia, Suxo Ana Maria, Arturo Bernardo Ajata San Martín, and Camila Ostria In fact, chlorine dioxide is stated to be the most ideal disinfectant for treating viruses in water due to the way it interacts with the viruses to inactivate them.
Noszticzius, Zoltán, Maria Wittmann, Kristóf Kály-Kullai, Zoltán Beregvári, István Kiss, László Rosivall, and János Szegedi. "Chlorine dioxide is a size-selective antimicrobial agent." PloS one 8, no. 11 (2013): e79157.
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Insignares-Carrione, Eduardo, Blanca Bolano Gómez, and Andreas Ludwig Kalcker. "Chlorine dioxide in COVID-19: hypothesis about the possible mechanism of molecular action in SARS-CoV-2." Journal of Molecular and Genetic Medicine 14, no. 5 (2020): 1-8.
Gagnon, G. A., J. L. Rand, K. C. O’leary, A. C. Rygel, C. Chauret, and R. C. Andrews. "Disinfectant efficacy of chlorite and chlorine dioxide in drinking water biofilms." Water research 39, no. 9 (2005): 1809-1817.
Vaid, Richa, Richard H. Linton, and Mark T. Morgan. "Comparison of inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes within a biofilm matrix using chlorine dioxide gas, aqueous chlorine dioxide and sodium hypochlorite treatments." Food Microbiology 27, no. 8 (2010): 979-984.
Almhöjd, Ulrica Scherdin, Anna Lehrkinder, Ann-Marie Roos-Jansåker, and Peter Lingström. "Antimicrobial efficacy of chlorine agents against selected oral pathogens." Clinical Oral Investigations 27, no. 9 (2023): 5695-5707.
Ayoub et al. demonstrated that oral hygiene products containing chlorine dioxide can potentially prevent pneumonia infections.
Ayoub, Hadeel, Charu Sharma, and Richard L. Gregory. "Pneumonia-associated microbial species and stabilized chlorine dioxide–containing oral care products." JADA Foundational Science 2 (2023): 100028.
Cao et al., in a review, showed that there is evidence that 25–50 ppm CD is an appropriate concentration for nasal irrigation to treat COVID-19.
Cao, Jing, Yirong Shi, Min Wen, Yuanyuan Peng, Qiqi Miao, Xiaoning Liu, Mingbin Zheng, Tetsuya Asakawa, and Hongzhou Lu. "Can nasal irrigation with chlorine dioxide be considered as a potential alternative therapy for respiratory infectious diseases? The example of COVID-19." BioScience Trends 16, no. 6 (2022): 447-450.
Aparicio-Alonso, Manuel, Carlos Dominguez-Sanchez, and Marina Banuet-Martínez. "A retrospective observational study of Chlorine Dioxide effectiveness to covid19-like symptoms prophylaxis in relatives living with COVID19 patients." (2021).
Burela, Alejandra, Akram Hernández-Vásquez, Daniel Comandé, Verónica Peralta, and Fabian Fiestas. "Chlorine dioxide and chlorine derivatives for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19: a systematic review." Revista Peruana de Medicina Experimental y Salud Pública 37 (2021): 605-610.
Eduardo, Insignares-Carrione, Bolano Gómez Blanca, Andrade Yohanny, Callisperis Patricia, Suxo Ana Maria, Arturo Bernardo Ajata San Martín, and Camila Ostria Gonzales. "Determination of the Effectiveness of Chlorine Dioxide in the Treatment of COVID 19." Mol Gen Med (2021): 1-11.
https://drrobertyoung.com/the-alkalizing-benefits-of-chlorine-dioxide-clo2-in-human-health/
Couri, Daniel, Mohamed S. Abdel-Rahman, and Richard J. Bull. "Toxicological effects of chlorine dioxide, chlorite and chlorate." Environmental Health Perspectives 46 (1982): 13-17.
https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/ToxProfiles/ToxProfiles.aspx?id=582&tid=108
Malka, Siva Kumar, and Me-Hea Park. "Fresh produce safety and quality: chlorine dioxide’s role." Frontiers in Plant Science 12 (2022): 775629.
Lee, Yoon-Jin, Sun-Jong Lee, Dong-Chan Lee, Hyun Kim, Hwan Lee, Cheol-Hyo Lee, and Sang-Ho Nam. "Comparison of chlorine, chlorine dioxide and ozone as disinfectants in drinking water." Journal of Environmental Health Sciences 28, no. 3 (2002): 1-8.
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