Abstract: The present invention provides for a stabilized solution containing a halogen containing compound which is effective as a sterilizing or disinfecting agent, and a stabilizing agent which suppresses the chemical dissociation of the halogen compound such that the sterilizing capability of the solution is maintained for extended periods of time relative to the solution without the stabilizing agent. The halogen containing compound is selected from the group consisting of chlorine dioxide, bromine oxide, bromine chloride, monochloroamine, bromic acid, iodine monochloride, iodine trichloride and iodine monobromide. The stabilizing agent is a compound having at least one accessible sulphur containing group selected from the group consisting of cyclamic acid, dimethyl sulphoxide, glyoxyl sodium bisulphite, potassium sorbate, sodium cyclamate, sodium metabisulphite, sodium oxalate, sodium sulphite, sodium thiosulphate and thioacetamide.