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A chloride ion, chlorine occurs naturally in nature and is a major component in a very familiar spice- table salt. It also makes up nearly 2% of saltwater, meaning it is abundant all across the earth.
Chlorine is not just in salt though- it is also a big part of several cleansers that have bleach or bleaching properties in them, making this element more a part of your everyday life than you might have previously thought.
Chlorine is a powerful oxidant, meaning that it is an excellent cleanser. Common household bleach used to disinfect surfaces or in laundry contain this element. It is poisonous to humans, though trace amounts are often found in drinking supplies, particularly those that are filtered or cleansed before consumption.
For example, residents of areas where rivers or streams are used as the primary source of drinking water may have small amounts of this element added in order to purify it for consumption. Not purifying can lead to all kinds of health problems, some long term but also many sudden, short-term ones such as dysentery, diarrhea and more.
Obviously, you should not ingest anything with bleach or chloride ions in it. They are highly toxic, especially when mixed with other chemicals.
In fact, the mixture of this and strong cleaners like ammonia could cause fumes that may be fatal.
Household items with this element should be used with caution and always read proper directions for usage. This trace element is necessary for everyday life and actually quite useful but like any harsh chemical should be used according to instructions and with the utmost caution.
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