<P> Chemical oxygen generators, such as those in commercial aircraft, provide emergency oxygen to passengers to protect them from drops in cabin pressure . Oxygen is generated by high - temperature decomposition of sodium chlorate . Heat is generated by oxidation of a small amount of iron powder mixed with the sodium chlorate, and the reaction consumes less oxygen than is produced . Barium peroxide (Ba O) is used to absorb the chlorine which is a minor product in the decomposition . An ignitor charge is activated by pulling on the emergency mask . Similarly, the Solidox welding system used pellets of sodium chlorate mixed with combustible fibers to generate oxygen . </P> <P> Due to its oxidative nature, sodium chlorate can be very toxic if ingested . The oxidative effect on hemoglobin leads to methaemoglobin formation, which is followed by denaturation of the globin protein and a cross-linking of erythrocyte membrane proteins with resultant damage to the membrane enzymes . This leads to increased permeability of the membrane, and severe hemolysis . The denaturation of hemoglobin overwhelms the capacity of the G6PD metabolic pathway . In addition, this enzyme is directly denatured by chlorate reducing its activity . </P> <P> Therapy with ascorbic acid and methylene blue are frequently used in the treatment of methemoglobinemia . However, since methylene blue requires the presence of NADPH that requires normal functioning of G6PD system, it is less effective than in other conditions characterized by hemoglobin oxidation . </P> <P> Acute severe hemolysis results, with multi-organ failure, including DIC and renal failure . In addition there is a direct toxicity to the proximal renal tubule . The treatment will consist of exchange transfusion, peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis . </P>

Where is sodium chlorate used in daily life