The photographs in this section have been kindly supplied by a number of our member companies including Bayer, Solvay, Akzo Nobel and Ercros for use by the media. All these photographs are low resolution and some include a watermark. For high resolution and watermark-free photographs or to make an enquiry about other images available, please e-mail Euro Chlor.
Roof construction
Polycarbonate: Chlorine chemistry is used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastic panels, although there is no chlorine in the end product. These unbreakable panels were used in the roof of Cologne station.
Silicon wafer
Silicon wafers: Chlorine chemistry is used to make silicon chips, which are then used in the manufacture of solar cells.
Pacemaker
Silicone rubber: This insulates the electrodes and catheters in pacemakers. The manufacture of many medical devices relies on chlorine chemistry. Other examples: PVC blood bags, sterile tubing and prosthetics.
Protective coatings
Polyurethanes: Chlorine chemistry is vital to the manufacture of polyurethanes (PU). One of many applications is in protective corrosion-resistant coatings used on trains. Other types of PU coatings are used in construction, where floors, steel trusses and concrete supports are spray-coated to make them more durable and reduce maintenance costs.
Compact disc
Polycarbonates: Although chlorine does not occur in the end product, it is used to make polycarbonates, the plastics vital to producing clear sound quality in all CDs.
Membrane cell
Membrane process: Chlorine producers are moving away from the mercury process and towards more environmentally-sound membrane technology. The European chlor-alkali industry will phase out mercury-based production by 2020.
Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceuticals: Chlorine chemistry is involved in the manufacture of 85% of medicines available today. Examples that rely on chlorine: chlorcyclizine (antihistamine); chloroquine (antimalarial drug); clobenfural (coronary vasodilator - enlarges blood vessels of the heart); mitotane (antineoplastic - inhibits growth and formation of tumours).
Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceuticals: Chlorine chemistry is involved in the manufacture of 85% of medicines available today. Examples: chlorcyclizine (antihistamine); chloroquine (antimalarial drug); clobenfural (coronary vasodilator - enlarges blood vessels of the heart); mitotane (antineoplastic - inhibits growth and formation of tumours).
Swimming pool water disinfection
Water disinfectant: Regular and proper use of chlorine disinfectant destroys waterborne bacteria in swimming pools.
Drinking water
Chlorination of drinking water prevents disease and saves lives. It was first used in the late 19th century to control the spread of waterborne diseases such as typhoid, cholera and dysentry. Chlorine ensures clean water right up to the tap, whereas the action of other disinfectants such as ozone, ultraviolet light and ultrafiltration, is only temporary.
Common salt
Common salt is a vital raw material in the production of chlorine. Some of the salt comes from seawater, but most comes from salt mines 700 meters below the Earth's surface.
