[CH] Re: Chlorine ?
George Nelson (70431.3065@compuserve.com)
Mon, 27 Sep 1999 23:38:01 -0400
"Is chlorine acceptable on an organic farm?" asked Robert Farr.
The context was whether it would kill molds and whether it would be
effective at mold killing (at least I gather that from Cameron Begg's
post.) I agree with Cameron that a copper-based antifungal would be better
to use as a first strike rather than hypochlorite.
I am afraid the "organic purist" would probably frown on chlorine or, more
properly, hypochlorite use. Hypochlorite acceptability was passionately
debated in Vol. 1 of the Chile-Heads. Those arguing against it then
pointed out that its use produced toxic by-products (chlorophenols,
chloramines, trihalomethanes) and that many of these had lingering effects.
On the other hand, it works as a disinfectant and as an oxidizing cleaning
material that decomposes protein materials and some complex carbohydrates
by oxidation. It will attack skin and nylon. It is not too effective
against the carbohydrate slime coats of molds, but will oxidize these
slowly. As it penetrates the coating it "takes the proteins apart" that
make the mold or bacteria cells go, killing them. They then are consumed
by the oxidative action.
George