In a study performed at Seoul National University, chlorine dioxide was tested against Influenza A H1N1 and SARS Coronavirus-2, better known as Covid-19. The study showed that even after 2 hours of exposure, the compound was still able to actively kill the viruses.

Similar to carbon and carbon dioxide, chlorine dioxide is very different from chlorine in terms of chemical structure and behavior. Confusion between the two led to myths claiming that chlorine dioxide depletes the ozone layer like chlorine gas does.

A study performed by Egyptian pharmacologist Professor Abdel-Rahman showed showed that chlorine dioxide breaks down through oxidization processes that occur in our saliva and stomach contents. In the presence of sunlight, it breaks down through natural processes that occur in the environment.

In present times, use of chlorine dioxide has grown rapidly in the food processing industry. It is used as a fumigant to extend the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables which develop mold and yeast. It is also used to disinfect poultry by spraying or immersing, prior to processing.