Purification

We are getting ready for our departure, packing bags, making last minute purchases, and frantically trying not to forget important items.
But the mind is already switching into an "observer" mode.
Here is one curiosity I observed, while packing our stuff.

In preparation for our journey we decided it would be prudent to get some water purification tablets. So we went to a camping store and along with other million things got a package of Potable Aqua Chlorine Dioxide water purification tablets. I used similar ones before, but those tasted heavily of iodine, so I decided to go for the more modern odorless variety.
The description says:
Potable Aqua Chlorine Dioxide Tablets kill bacteria, viruses and cysts, including Giardia and Cryptosporidium. This highly effective way to make questionable water suitable for drinking leaves no unusual aftertaste and does not dramatically alter the water's appearance.

So far so good. I turn the package over and read the following:

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PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENT
HAZARDS TO HUMANS AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS.
DANGER. Corrosive. Causes irreversible eye damage and skin burns. Harmful if absorbed through skin or swallowed. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Wear protective eyewear (goggles, face shield, or safety glasses) protective clothing, and rubber gloves. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Remove contaminated clothing and wash clothing before reuse.

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Now I am confused and concerned. It sounds safer to just drink any water as is than to handle one of those "purification" tablets.
I am certainly not packing "protective eyewear" and rubber gloves with me!

But, after all, who said that purification is an easy and painless process? Isn't that why we are going on this trip?

--Misha