A comparison of the virucidal properties of chlorine, chlorine dioxide, bromine chloride and iodine

Abstract

SUMMARYChlorine dioxide, bromine chloride and iodine were compared with chlorine as virucidal agents. Under optimal conditions all disinfectants were effective at low concentrations, but each disinfectant responded differently to acidity and alkalinity. Disinfection by chlorine was impaired by the presence of ammonia, but the other disinfectants retained much of their potency. Disinfection of poliovirus by iodine resulted in structural changes in the virions as seen by electron microscopy, but the other disinfectants were able to inactivate poliovirus without causing any apparent structural changes.