[pjkundert]

Mild oxidants are generally more harmful to to bacteria, viruses, etc., than to healthy cells. That's the basic theory.

That's also why you can purify water with a bleach (Chlorine Dioxide) tablet, and then drink the solution harmlessly. This isn't rocket science.

[pjc50]

Toxicity threshold for chlorine dioxide appears to be 0.8mg/L, so not that harmless, and I can't find any safety limits for injection!

(sibling comment about dose making the poison is correct, yes)