CHLORINE 183 



An aqueous solution of chlorine compounds of sodium, containing not less 

 than 2.6 per cent, of available chlorine. 



Derivation. — Monohydrated sodium carbonate, 70; chlorinated lime, 100; water 

 to make 1,000. 



Properties. — A clear, pale, greenish liquid, having a faint odor of chlorine and 

 a disagreeably alkaline taste. 



Dose. — Only of value externally. 



Action and Uses of Chlorine. 



Chlorine gas, in the presence of organic matter and moisture, unites 

 with the hydrogen of water and sets free nascent oxygen. When chlorine 

 comes in contact with sulphuretted hydrogen, it removes and destroys the 

 compound. Chlorine is thus a powerful oxidizing disinfectant agent and 

 deodorizer. One-quarter of 1 per cent, of chlorine in solution is an effec- 

 tive germicide. When chlorine gas is inhaled undiluted, it is an irritant 

 to the respiratory tract, producing sometimes spasm of the glottis, or 

 severe bronchitis, and at other times a condition of narcotism, with death 

 from paralysis of the respiratory center. In contact with living tissues, 

 chlorine replaces the hydrogen of proteid compounds and forms hydro- 

 chloric acid with the hydrogen thus set free. The symptoms of poisoning 

 are explained by the local irritation of the hydrochloric acid thus formed. 

 In dilute form it is stimulant, antiseptic, and deodorant in relation to the 

 body. Chlorine gas may be generated from salt and black oxide of man- 

 ganese, 1 part each; with commercial sulphuric acid and water, 2 parts 

 each. 



The spores of most bacteria are killed after three hours' exposure 

 to a moist atmosphere containing 0.3 per cent, of chlorine gas. Chlorine 

 may be used to advantage in this manner as a substitute for sulphur fumi- 

 gation. Chlorinated lime varies much in strength. To be of any value 

 it should be so irritating to the eyes that it cannot be held near the face. 

 It owes its medicinal value to the hypochlorite of lime which it contains. 

 If the compound is very moist, it is because calcium chloride preponder- 

 ates. Chlorinated lime is often employed as a deodorizer, standing about 

 premises in vessels, but is of no practical value unless it comes directly 

 in contact with bacteria or sulphuretted compounds which it is desirable 

 to destroy. It is the best and cheapest germ destroyer we possess for 

 disinfecting premises and other appurtenances, apart from the body, as 

 walls and floors of buildings, fecal and other discharges, sewers, privies 

 and cesspools. A 10 per cent, solution is to be employed on the floors, 

 walls and other parts of buildings. The pure compound may be mixed 

 with manure and discharges. Chlorinated lime has the disadvantages of 

 destroying the fertilizing value of manure, however, and of keeping floors 

 constantly wet through its deliquescent properties. Even a 1 per cent, 

 solution is germicidal, and may be employed to wash blankets, harness 

 and other paraphernalia. It is said not to harm woolen or cotton fabrics, 

 in the latter solution. Chlorinated lime is a useful disinfectant in privy 

 vaults when the contents are kept continually covered with chlorinated 

 lime. The water supply of over 600 American cities is sterilized by 

 "bleach" (by making a 1 to one or two million solution). The best 

 method consists in dissolving a quarter pound tin of high quality chlori- 



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