iPaulina
Reactions to chemical reactions
Chlorine, a chemical element with atomic number 17, is the second lightest halogen, and has similar properties to bromine. Each molecule of chlorine is diatomic, meaning that it consists of two atoms with one or more shared electron pairs between them (also known as a covalent bond). Chlorine exists as a yellow-green gas at room temperature and is extremely reactive. In fact, the most common compound of chlorine, sodium chloride, has been used since ancient times; there is evidence of rock salt being used as early as 3000BC! It assumed a crucial role in medieval alchemy, a trend which has continued through to modern-day medicine. However, chlorine was only recognised as a pure element in 1810 when it was named after the Ancient Greek word χλωρός (khlōrós), meaning ‘pale green’.Though it is important to recognise the positive effects of chlorine, the element has recently triggered a stir among researchers because of its harmful effects. Chlorine is a respiratory irritant and inhaling it can cause breathing difficulties. In addition, the gas causes eye and skin irritation, burns, frostbite, and ulcerations; due to its toxic properties, chlorine was used as a chemical weapon during WWI. It is also said to be one of the elements responsible for depleting the earth’s ozone layer, which is crucial to maintaining life on earth as it absorbs 98% of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Chemicals known as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), found in fridges, aerosols, and plastics, contain chlorine atoms and are one of the biggest causes of ozone layer depletion. When they are released into the atmosphere, UV radiation breaks down the molecule, separating the chlorine atom. It then reacts with ozone, destroying the molecules and causing the layer to become thinner and thinner. Scientists have already found ‘holes’ in the ozone layer which have been caused by these chemicals, and, as a result, a global agreement was created to ensure that countries phase out CFCs. In addition, organochlorines (chlorinated compounds) are widely used as pesticides and are often toxic to non-target species. Pesticides containing chlorine, such as DDT, persist in the environment in a process called bioaccumulation and move up the food chain (biomagnification). This can lead to the unintentional poisoning of several species.
On the other hand, chlorine has many positive uses. For example, swimming pools rely on chlorine to keep them clean. Surprisingly, chlorine is also used to keep drinking water safe through sterilisation, thus avoiding the spread of diseases such as cholera. Since 2021, there have been several cholera outbreaks in regions of Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean; a recent crisis in Zimbabwe was attributed to the country’s failure to invest in water and sanitation infrastructure. Experts have suggested that this crisis could have been solved by chlorine, which is distributed in cholera responses as it deactivates vibrio cholerae bacteria, providing protection at low cost. A study published in 2017 stated that 3.4 million people die each year from contaminated water, and that up to 4.4 billion do not have a reliable source of drinking water. Therefore, the potential impact that chorine could have on bringing clean water to those who need it cannot be understated.
So, does chlorine have a net positive or negative effect on our communities? Although some researchers suggest chlorine has harmful effects on the environment and our health, these can be managed. It is important to recognise the positive impact of chlorine on modern medicine and how it has already helped with pressing global issues such as clean water and sanitation.
Thea (VII)
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