Can chlorine dioxide cause cancer metastasis?

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Last updated: July 8, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

There is no scientific evidence that chlorine dioxide causes cancer metastasis. Chlorine dioxide is a chemical compound used primarily as a bleaching agent and disinfectant, but it is not approved for human consumption as a medication or treatment. In fact, ingesting chlorine dioxide can be harmful and potentially dangerous, causing serious side effects including severe vomiting, diarrhea, life-threatening low blood pressure, acute liver failure, and damage to the digestive tract. Some products containing chlorine dioxide, such as Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS), have been falsely marketed as treatments for various conditions, but health authorities including the FDA have issued strong warnings against their use.

The relationship between chlorine dioxide and cancer has not been established in legitimate medical research, and there is no evidence supporting claims that it either causes or prevents cancer metastasis. According to recent studies, such as those published in Environmental Health Perspectives 1, there is no mention of chlorine dioxide being linked to cancer metastasis. Other studies, such as those on trichloroethylene 1 and vinyl chloride monomer 1, have established links between certain chemicals and cancer, but these findings do not apply to chlorine dioxide.

If you have concerns about cancer treatment or prevention, you should consult with qualified healthcare professionals who can provide evidence-based medical advice rather than considering unproven and potentially harmful substances like chlorine dioxide. Key characteristics of carcinogens, such as genotoxicity and oxidative stress, have been identified in various studies 1, but these characteristics have not been linked to chlorine dioxide. Therefore, it is not recommended to use chlorine dioxide as a treatment for cancer or any other medical condition, and instead, patients should rely on evidence-based treatments and consult with qualified healthcare professionals.

From the Research

Chlorine Dioxide and Cancer Metastasis

  • There is no direct evidence to suggest that chlorine dioxide causes cancer metastasis 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • However, some studies have investigated the effects of chlorine dioxide on cancer cells, with one study finding that it has anticancer potential in small-cell lung cancer cells 3.
  • The study found that long-term stabilized chlorine dioxide solution (LTSCD) significantly inhibited the proliferation of small-cell lung cancer cells and induced apoptotic cell death, but did not induce cell cycle arrest 3.
  • Another study found that chlorine dioxide has antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal effects, and has been proposed as a potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 agent, but its effectiveness and safety in humans need to be further studied 5.
  • The available evidence does not provide a clear answer to the question of whether chlorine dioxide can cause cancer metastasis, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects on cancer cells and the human body 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Key Findings

  • Chlorine dioxide has been shown to have anticancer potential in small-cell lung cancer cells 3.
  • Chlorine dioxide has antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal effects, and has been proposed as a potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 agent 5.
  • The effects of chlorine dioxide on cancer metastasis are not well understood and require further study 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Limitations

  • The available evidence is limited, and more research is needed to fully understand the effects of chlorine dioxide on cancer cells and the human body 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • The studies that have been conducted have had varying results, and it is unclear whether chlorine dioxide has a significant impact on cancer metastasis 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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