Benefits and Risks of Chlorine

Question 1

What is chlorine used for (general purposes)

Answer 1

Water purification and disinfection

Question 2

What is the equation that shows the reaction between chlorine and water

Answer 2

Cl2 (aq) + H2O (l) –> HClO (aq) + HCl (aq)

Question 3

What are the downsides for using chlorine to disinfect water?

Answer 3

-Chlorine in water can react with hydrocarbons and make carcinogenic chlorinated hydrocarbons
-Chlorine can cause respiratory issues
-Leaks into wildlife is harmful

Question 4

What are advantages to using chlorine to disinfect water?

Answer 4

-Cheap to use
-Prevents disease like cholera and typhoid