Chlorine (Cl₂) and Chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) have very different chemical properties. Chlorine has been used as a disinfectant for many years but has some very undesirable by-products, especially in the treatment of water. Chlorine reacts with many pollutants in water, such as detergents, bathing oils, algae, and nitrogen compounds found in human waste, especially ammonia (NH₃). So an alternative to Chlorine has been sought after; Chlorine Dioxide is that alternative.

What is stabilised Chlorine dioxide?

Chlorine dioxide is an oxidizing biocide not a metabolic toxin. Chlorine dioxide kills micro-organisms by disrupting of the flow of nutrients across the cell membrane, not by disturbing the metabolic process. What this means is that it is safe to use around children and pets.

Safe Around Children & Food:Chlorine Dioxide is generated by combining an acid with Sodium Chlorite (NaClO₂) which is an inert salt. Fresh Start Odour Treatment a Canadian Distributor for CLO2 Systems who's proprietary formulation uses food grade citric acid to generate the Chlorine Dioxide. This is what makes it safe for use around children, pets and food. CLO2 systems' proprietary formulation is the only formulation registered and approved by the EPA.

How does it work?

Chlorine dioxide kills bacteria by attacking their critical physical functions at the cellular level. It disrupts the absorption of proteins into the cells. This effectively starves the cells by not allowing them to take in nutrients. By diffusing through the protective layer of the cell it alters the permeability of the outer cell membrane and renders the cells inactive from the inside out.

Chlorine dioxide works in such a way that bacteria will not develop a resistance to it. This eliminates the need to alternate biocide treatments. While remaining non-toxic Chlorine dioxide kills bacteria found in and around foodstuffs, like Salmonella in poultry products. This makes Chlorine dioxide the perfect disinfectant for kitchens.

How effective is it?

The effectiveness of chlorine dioxide is at least as high as chlorine, and more effective against specific compounds and bacteria.

Important advantages of Chlorine dioxide over Chlorine:

• Effective at lower concentrations than chlorine
• Effective against bacteria at pH values between 4 and 10
• Superior to chlorine in the destruction of spores and bacteria
• Requires shorter contact time to be effective
• More soluble in water
• Does not react with ammonia
• It destroys THM precursors and increases coagulation
• Destroys phenols and has no distinct smell
• Removes iron and magnesia compounds

In addition to its disinfecting and sterilizing properties, Chlorine Dioxide can be used to eliminate odours from the air, in fabrics and on most hard surfaces.

Fresh Start Odour Treatment distributes two of CLO2 Systems Inc.'s leading products:

Odour Rescue ^® is a safe and effective deodorizer/cleaner. It eliminates odours quickly and easily by harnessing the power of Chlorine Dioxide vapour produced by the easy-to-use vapour release delivery system. The container is made from sugar cane and is recyclable and the engineered pouch is biodegradable.

Aquesan ^®, a liquid containing stabilized chlorine dioxide, can be used on most hard surfaces (great on glass) and also most fabrics, carpets and upholsteries. Not recommended for silks, satins and fine linens. It is also available in a controlled vapour release system that is self-contained to eliminate stronger biofilms.

Commercial Use

Chlorine Dioxide eliminates odours, mould, mildew, and volatile organic compounds. Unlike Chlorine, Chlorine Dioxide does not produce environmentally harmful and carcinogenic chlorinated by-products like phenols, THMs and dioxins. Chlorine Dioxide does not hydrolyze in water.

Odour Rescue ^®, is a lightweight engineered pouch containing a pre-measured amount of the Cl02 Systems Inc. proprietary solution. You simply remove the pouch from its outer package, add a small amount of hot water to the chemical holder to generate the Cl02 vapour, which releases over a controlled period of time, a safe fogging dispersal that will penetrate hard-to-reach areas of any interior.

Aquesan ^®, comes pre-mixed in an easy-to-use spray-pump container, that can be sprayed directly on to most hard or soft surfaces, eliminating odour causing bacteria and other organic compounds. Aquesan ^® can also be used to remove biological stains from fabrics.

Fresh Start Odour Treatment does not use masking agents or odour absorbing compounds. The Cl02 actually breaks the bonds of the compounds that cause odours and eradicates the micro-organisms creating these compounds, leaving that "fresh-clean" smell behind.

The Cl02 Systems Inc. line of products truly eliminates odours at their source, improving both aesthetics and hygiene. The versatility of this delivery system makes it an easy-to-use and safe product to stop pathogens, and eliminate odours related to pets, wildlife, tobacco, food, vomit, and fire or flood damage.

Fresh Start Odour Treatment is the exclusive Canadian distributor of CLO2 Systems Inc. line of products and equipment. For a free commercial demonstration please call: 905.875.8722