the present invention is directed to both physical and chemical means for maintaining continuous high levels of chlorine dioxide in aqueous solutions for extended periods , with minimum loss through degradation in the solution and dissipation through the walls of the containing vessel within which the solution is stored . the clo 2 may be maintained even in the absence of very high levels of chlorite , from which supplemental , offsetting levels of clo 2 may be generated . the present invention relates to the discovery that certain types of plastic and glass containers have the ability to maintain relatively constant levels of clo 2 in their contained solutions over extended periods , particularly in aqueous compositions comprising chlorite / clo 2 ratios sufficient for a stabilizing complex of the two , presumably cl 2 0 4 — , to suppress the clo 2 loss . of particular value is certain high - density polyethylene terephthalate plastic bottling and plastic containers which have been initially exposed to a fluorinating environment . specifically , in the latter regard , it has been discovered that certain plastic containers which ordinarily are incapable of maintaining aqueous clo 2 levels can be treated with fluorine gas to transform their surfaces so as to effectively suppress clo 2 diffusion therethrough .