Chlorine Dioxide is not Snake Oil

I stumbled upon this TEDx talk which targets Chlorine Dioxide, calls it snake oil, states it is bleach, and further states that in 2019 there were 16,521 cases of Chlorine Dioxide poisonings reported.

First, let’s get the facts straight.

Chlorine Dioxide is not Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach).

Second, if you want a good starting point on a great collection of real information, start with Dr. Pierre Kory’s research: The History Of Howard Alliger - Pioneer Of Chlorine Dioxide Therapies .

Third, the statements and figures in this TEDx talk are completely false. He is misrepresenting and referencing data that Allison Lardieri, a pharmacist at the FDA (allison.lardieri@fda.hhs.gov), published: https://lymescience.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/FDA-Harmful-effects-of-chlorine-dioxide-exposure.pdf which states: “We report an analysis of the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) National Poison Data System (NPDS) cases of CD-associated exposure (involving Miracle Mineral Solution) from 55 U.S. Poison Centers between January 1, 2000-March 31, 2020. Narratives for 53 CD exposures were obtained; all cases were followed to a known outcome. An average of five exposures were reported annually (range 3–9) since 2011.”

Finally, what is his motivation for attacking Chlorine Dioxide? He is Executive Director of the Clinic for Autism Research, Evaluation and Support (CARES) at Texas State University.

The point I want to make here is that Chlorine Dioxide is showing promise in health, but it is lacking large scale studies to establish what it can be used for and how to best use it… safely. What we don’t need is people making TEDx talks that are contorting reality and running interference for something that holds promising potential.

Given that we are lacking good studies, the FDA document is also making claims that are jumping to conclusions based on the following: “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a consumer warning for CD products with misleading health claims and reports of adverse effects (gastrointestinal symptoms, dehydration, hypotension) . Published case reports also describe CD toxicities including methemoglobinemia, hemolyticanemia, toxic irritant dermatitis and Kikuchi Fujimoto disease.”

Arnold J, Rushton W. The mineral miracle disaster: accidental poisoning after use of 28% sodium chlorite solution resulting in methemoglobinemia and mild hemolytic anemia. North American Congress of Clinical Toxicology (NACCT) Abstracts 2018. Clin Toxicol. 2018;56(10):912–1092.

De Asis Alcantara Nicolas F, Mesonero RP, Molera VM, et al. Irritant contact dermatitis from ‘Miracle Mineral Solution’. JAm Acad Dermatol. 2016;74(5):AB92.

Loh JMR, Shafi H. Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease presenting after consumption of ‘Miracle Mineral Solution’ (sodium chlorite). BMJ Case Rep. 2014;2014:bcr2014205832.

Burke D, Zakhary B, Pinelis E. Acute hemolysis following an over dose of Miracle Mineral Solution in a patient with normal glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase levels. Chest. 2014;146(4):273A.

Williams SR, Dawling S, Seger DL. Severe hemolysis in pediatric case after ingestion of Miracle Mineral Solution. Clin Toxicol. 2009;47(7):702–765.

  • Methemoglobinemia: A blood disorder where hemoglobin is converted to methemoglobin, which cannot carry oxygen effectively.

  • Hemolytic anemia: A condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced.

  • Toxic irritant dermatitis: Skin inflammation caused by direct chemical damage (not allergy).

  • Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease: A rare, self-limiting lymph node disorder with fever and swollen nodes, often mistaken for lymphoma. Cause: Unknown; thought to involve an abnormal immune response, possibly triggered by viral infection or autoimmune predisposition. Course: Usually resolves spontaneously within weeks to months.

There is a lot of effort to spread fear, uncertainty and doubt. So far, I have not found a case of a single death due to Chlorine Dioxide.

Personally, I’m not interested in trying it to treat or cure anything with it, but I would be abhorred if these efforts directed against it would take it away from us in being studied properly. The marketing of it as a product “MMS” is probably doing some damage if claims are made without proper large studies.

The problem is people using it and guessing how to use it. That’s the problem that needs a solution.

Chlordioxid ist ein giftiges Desinfektionsmittel - soll Krebszellen oder virusbefallene Zellen vernichten, gesunde Zellen schonen. Wird in stark verdünnter Form zur Reinigung von Wasser verwendet, darf dabei die Konzentration von 0,2mg/Liter nicht überschritten werden. In dieser Konzentration sind keine Schäden bei der Einnahme zu erwarten. Die professionelle Wirkung kann Chlordioxid in dieser geringen Konzentration nicht mehr haben.

Bewährte Indikation: Äußerlich 0,3 % gegen Nagelpilz.

Chlorine dioxide is a toxic disinfectant - it is said to destroy cancer cells or virus-infected cells and protect healthy cells. If used in highly diluted form to purify water, the concentration of 0.2 mg/liter must not be exceeded. No harm is expected when ingested at this concentration. Chlorine dioxide can no longer have the professional effect in this low concentration.

Proven indication: 0.3% externally against nail fungus.

@jrgerber excuse me, are you suggesting we should do our own research and think for ourselves?? :grinning_face: Thanks for that info, as always. I used to think the Ted Talks were a gift to the world. How things have changed.

An interesting study where it was used to treat a sea lion bite Treatment of a California Sea Lion Bite Using Antibiotics and Chlorine Dioxide Solution During a Remote Expedition

Amazingly I found a comment about Autism and “curing it” with Chlorine Dioxide. Here’s a link to a point in a video The Universal Antidote . They are interviewing Lindsay Wagner (the Bionic Woman actress) who had a case of chronic urticaria. She decided to try chlorine dioxide because “…through a friend, she was put in touch with a person whose child seemed to be completely cured of severe autism…”

I think autism is a broad topic, in fact they call it a spectrum. Given that it is a spectrum I think there is a potential for multiple root causes. Clearly it is a condition of the brain, and we know the brain and gut are connected in the Brain/Immune/Gut axis. What affects one part of that axis affects all other parts of the axis. So, it’s feasible to consider that some form(s) of autism could be impacted both positively and negatively based on changes made to the gut or immune system.

At the 46-minute mark in this video is an interview with a missionary that went to Africa and it’s quite intriguing to hear the impact and the variety of conditions he has been able to treat with it.

I also see now why “MMS”, the product, is sold by a “church”. I’ve seen this tactic before where you protect the product or drug by forming a church around it and claim the product or drug is used for religious purposes. It makes it far more difficult for the government to make it “illegal”.

That’s exactly what surprised me as well, that TEDx is being used as a weapon now.

One more tidbit I picked up on from that video is that you can find products for sale here: https://frontierpharm.com/ . The nasal cleanser is something I may consider trying since I’ve been dealing with nasal issues for a very long time and I do saline rinses, often once daily.

:+1: yup, feel like a lot needs to be watched… or not watched.

**Warning: **Upon closer inspection, the products on this website contain more than chlorine dioxide - ingredients I certainly would not spray up my nostrils:

“Snoot! Ingredients: Water, glycerin, lactic acid, citric acid, sodium carbonate, sodium chlorite, sodium hydroxide, polysorbate 20, cinnamal, poloxamer 407, glutaral, FD&C blue #1, D&C Red #33. Mixture contains: chlorine dioxide.”

A quick run through copilot reveals:

Overview

Here’s a concise safety snapshot for each ingredient you listed. I focused on typical hazards, sensitization/allergy potential, and practical use notes from toxicology reviews and SDS/industry assessments.


Polysorbate 20

  • General safety: Common emulsifier/surfactant widely used in cosmetics and foods; typically not classified as hazardous under GHS and not dangerous for transport. Most SDS list no specific hazard classification, with standard hygiene precautions advised.

  • Irritation and handling: Generally low acute toxicity; handle to avoid dust/aerosols, and use eye/skin protection as standard lab practice. Combustible at high temperature; store cool and ventilated.

  • Regulatory notes: Often considered safe within regulated limits; safety data sheets show minimal hazard classification for typical use.

Sources:


Cinnamal (cinnamaldehyde)

  • Allergen profile: A well-known fragrance allergen; requires labeling as an allergen in the EU. Strong evidence for skin sensitization/immune effects in humans, per EWG’s consolidated database overview.

  • Use context: GRAS-listed by FDA for use as a flavoring agent; fragrance safety reviewed by RIFM/REXPAN for cosmetic use.

  • Practical caution: Patch-testing or avoidance recommended for individuals with fragrance allergies or eczema due to sensitization risk.

Sources:


Poloxamer 407

  • General safety: Nonionic block copolymer used as solubilizer/thickener. Several SDS classify it as “not hazardous” under GHS, indicating low typical risk in cosmetic use.

  • Irritation potential: Some SDS list possible irritation (skin/eye/respiratory) at dust or concentrated exposures, with “Warning” label for acute oral toxicity category 4 and skin/eye irritation; other suppliers report no classification. Differences reflect formulation/purity and conservative hazard communication.

  • Handling notes: Avoid dust formation; standard PPE; store tightly closed, cool, and dry.

Sources:


Glutaral (glutaraldehyde)

  • Hazards: Potent biocide/disinfectant with significant irritation and sensitization risks via inhalation and skin contact. Occupational limits set at ceiling 0.2 ppm (OSHA/NIOSH). Can cause respiratory irritation, asthma, and dermatitis; ocular irritation is severe above 1%, with a no-effect level near 0.1% in rabbit eyes.

  • Toxicology: Low dermal penetration; oral LD50 in rats varies widely. Mixed bacterial mutagenesis results, but generally not genotoxic in mammalian tests. Some long-term rodent findings (e.g., LGLL increase in females in drinking-water study) were not dose-dependent and within historical controls.

  • Cosmetic use guidance: The cosmetic safety review concluded rinse-off products could be tolerable up to about 0.5% with brief exposure, but aerosol use should be avoided due to respiratory irritation risk.

Sources:


FD&C Blue #1 (Brilliant Blue FCF; Acid Blue 9)

  • General safety: SDS commonly list it as nonhazardous under GHS for lab use; treat as a chemical, not food-grade when stored in lab contexts. Nonflammable solid; standard precautions apply.

  • Irritation/environment: Mild irritant; nuisance dust can irritate the respiratory tract. Classified as harmful to aquatic life (Acute Aquatic Toxicity Category 3) in one SDS; avoid environmental release.

  • Handling notes: Use eye/skin protection; avoid oxidizers; stable if stored properly.

Sources:


D&C Red #33 (Acid Red 33)

  • Regulatory status: Approved as a color additive for certain cosmetic uses (externally applied drugs/cosmetics) in the U.S.; limits vary by product type. EU opinions have assessed it with conservative concentration limits in some categories.

  • Toxicology summary: Multi-generation rat studies found a NOAEL around 25 mg/kg/day; no convincing in vivo genotoxicity and no skin/eye irritation or sensitization in animal tests at tested levels. Human infant data are lacking; caution advised for leave-on products, especially on very young skin.

  • Commentary sources: Popular media and consumer sites raise concerns about synthetic dyes and behavior/cancer risk, but evidence is mixed and often not specific to Red 33. Decisions should follow regulatory limits and personal sensitivity considerations.

:-1:

Here’s a valid study on using it for COVID-19 and how to perform proper dosing for nasal administration: Can nasal irrigation with chlorine dioxide be considered as a potential alternative therapy for respiratory infectious diseases? The example of COVID-19 - PubMed .

https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bst/16/6/16_2022.01495/_pdf/-char/en

“Aparicio-Alonso et al. orally administered ClO2 at 3 ppm as a prophylactic agent to family members living with COVID-19 patients in Mexico (9). They found that ClO2 was effective at preventing COVID-19, and no adverse events were reported. In another study, Aparicio-Alonso et al. orally administered a mean dose of 1.41 mg/kg to treat COVID-19 patients (10). They found that CIO2 helped to resolve COVID-19 symptoms and reduce the duration of treatment. Only 6.78% of patients reported mild and sporadic uncomfortable reactions such as headaches, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. They hence concluded that ClO2 might be considered as a safe alternative therapy with which to treat COVID-19.”

*"Figure 1. Results of a preliminary experiment exploring the doses of ClO2 for nasal irrigation in 5 healthy participants. (A) Schematic diagram of nasal irrigation used in a preliminary experiment. (B) Results of the preliminary experiment with regard to discomfort. At a ClO2 concentration of 25 ppm, 3 participants felt comfort and 2 participants felt mild discomfort. At a ClO2 concentration of 50 ppm, two participants felt comfort and three participants felt mild discomfort. At a ClO2 *concentration of 100 ppm, one participant felt moderate discomfort, three participants felt severe discomfort, and one participant felt extreme discomfort. Hence, 25-50 ppm was considered to be an appropriate concentration range for nasal irrigation and was used in subsequent experiments."

“The forthcoming results should help to provide evidence regarding whether nasal irrigation with ClO2 can be used as an alternative therapy to treat COVID-19, as well as the other respiratory infectious diseases such as influenza.”