Trends in the Sodium Chlorite Industry

Few weeks after the 9/11 attacks, anthrax was found in letters sent to the public officials. The team responsible for hazardous materials used Chlorine dioxide to decontaminate the Hart Senate Office Building and the Brentwood Postal Facility. This Chlorine dioxide which is generally used in disinfection applications is made from sodium chlorite.

What is Sodium Chlorite?

Sodium Chlorite is also known as chlorous acid. It is mainly composed of three elements—sodium, chlorine, and oxygen (Na + Cl + O_{2 =} NaClO₂). It is a white crystalline inorganic sodium salt that is often used for the production of chlorine dioxide and also acts as an oxidizing agent. Sodium chlorite has a unique ability to completely dissolve in water and partially in methyl alcohol (methanol) and ethyl alcohol (ethanol).

Sodium chlorite is also used as a reagent in the process of organic synthesis which oxidizes aldehydes to carboxylic acid. Many researchers have claimed that it can be used as a health supplement. It tends to form explosive mixtures with specific combustible materials. When exposed to high heat, it tends to be explosive. Also, according to the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is a hazardous, life-threatening chemical that must never be swallowed.

What are the Uses of Sodium Chlorite?

Sodium chlorite is marketed to both customers as well as businesses for various purposes. It has also proved to be useful in times of public crisis. The uses of sodium chlorite are mentioned below.

1. Consumer use -

Some consumer-based uses of sodium chlorite are as follows -

• It is used for the treatment of water and water purification.

• It is used as a surface cleaner for areas where food is prepared.

• It is used in many households as a drug used to treat microbial infection in food, especially seafood.

2. Industrial use -

Large amounts of sodium chlorite are commonly used for various industrial purposes. They are as follows -

• It has wide applications in the paper and electronics manufacturing business, mainly as a bleaching agent.

• It is also used for textile bleaching.

• It is used as a sterilizing agent in water treatment plants.

3. Use in public crisis -

• While addressing the Covid-19 pandemic, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has posted a list of disinfectants that might be used as environmental measures against the coronavirus. Out of these, some of the disinfectants use sodium chlorite, as their base chemical agent.

• Sodium chloride is activated in ClO₂ (Chlorine dioxide) for use in some applications.

What’s Trending in the Sodium Chlorite Industry?

• There is an increasing demand for sodium chlorite as it is used as a drug for treating microbial infection in food, especially seafood. Due to this distinctive property of killing pathogens present in food; it is in high demand from the food processing businesses. This is likely to be a lucrative opportunity for the sodium chlorite market in the near future.

• Likewise, there is an increasing demand from the automotive as well as the electronic businesses for sodium chlorite, as it is used for treating the surfaces. This is likely to increase the demand for sodium chlorite in the near future.

• Research is going on for using sodium chlorite in the treatment of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). If emphatic results for its use in treating this disease are obtained, it can be a prime factor to boost the demand for sodium chlorite in the coming years.

• The increasing growth of the healthcare and sanitation industry is a prime factor for the growth of the sodium chlorite market. As it is used as a disinfectant and anti-microbial agent, it is widely used in the hospital operation theatres, waiting rooms, and critical care units.

• There is an increasing demand for sodium chlorite from many industries such as synthetic and cotton fabrics as it is used as a bleaching agent, food processing industry, pest control production units, etc.

• Sodium chlorite is widely used for water purification. Treating wastewater is considered as the most important function by many countries as the demand for drinking water is constantly increasing day by day. Increasing demand for drinking water and treating wastewater across the globe is predicted to create more growth opportunities for the sodium chlorite industry.

How has COVID-19 Pandemic Affected the Sodium Chlorite Industry?

The Covid-19 pandemic has positively impacted the global sodium chlorite market. Sodium chlorite is one of the prime elements among disinfectants that might be used as environmental measures against the coronavirus. A report by Research Dive states that the global sodium chlorite market is predicted to generate revenue of $282,911.4 thousands by 2027.

Currently, sodium chlorite is used on a large scale in the health care institutions worldwide as sodium chlorite solution is given to the patients affected by coronavirus for gargling. Moreover, sodium chlorite is also used as a disinfectant to sanitize the hospital surfaces. Due to the above mentioned reasons the demand for sodium chlorite is predicted to grow amidst the COVID-19 crisis.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.