Reasonable Rascal
06-15-02, 00:20
From the Harvard ProMed List:
An Alternative to Chlorine-based Biocides
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The request for information from Dr. Wheeler [see: " Norwalk-like virus, decontamination: RFI 20020612.4475"] was forwarded to me for my opinion. The moderator requested a possible alternative to chlorine-based biocides to battle Norwalk virus and Norwalk-like viruses (NLV). Undoubtedly, chlorine bleach (NaHCl) at 5000 - 10 000 ppm will have a cidal affect on the pathogen but is, as is noted, very harmful to surfaces, equipment and users. Perhaps the concern for worker safety would even eclipse the sanitizing effects.
A Canadian-made and widely accepted possible alternative is Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide (AHP). Several disinfectant products, including a high-level disinfectant, have been created with this remarkable (my opinion) technology. Developed and manufactured by Virox Technologies Inc (<www.virox.com or www.viroxtech.com>) of Toronto, AHP has documented cidal affects against non-enveloped viruses. AHP disinfectants were tested against Poliovirus type 1 (Sabin) with standard organic and hard water challenges, and were found to reduce the pathogen by almost 99.999 percent with a 5-minute contact time. Documented evidence against poliovirus allows manufacturers to claim efficacy against all non-enveloped viruses, including Norwalk virus and NLV.
Further, the manufactures have shown that the in-use dilution of the disinfectant that employs AHP technology is safe on all colour-stabilized fabrics (including carpet, drapery, air filters,
etc.) and most metals. Some soft metals, when left to soak for a longer period of time, exhibit corrosion. The product is marketed as safe for contact with skin, eyes, respiratory and digestive systems, and has no noticeable odour or colour additives.
I put forward that this may be an acceptable alternative to chlorine-based biocides. To my knowledge is it as yet unavailable in the United States, but widely distributed and used in Canada and other nations.
--
Paul Webber
Belleville, Ontario Canada
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The opinions expressed are those of the author of the quoted article and are presented here for educational purposes only.
RR
An Alternative to Chlorine-based Biocides
-----------------------------------------
The request for information from Dr. Wheeler [see: " Norwalk-like virus, decontamination: RFI 20020612.4475"] was forwarded to me for my opinion. The moderator requested a possible alternative to chlorine-based biocides to battle Norwalk virus and Norwalk-like viruses (NLV). Undoubtedly, chlorine bleach (NaHCl) at 5000 - 10 000 ppm will have a cidal affect on the pathogen but is, as is noted, very harmful to surfaces, equipment and users. Perhaps the concern for worker safety would even eclipse the sanitizing effects.
A Canadian-made and widely accepted possible alternative is Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide (AHP). Several disinfectant products, including a high-level disinfectant, have been created with this remarkable (my opinion) technology. Developed and manufactured by Virox Technologies Inc (<www.virox.com or www.viroxtech.com>) of Toronto, AHP has documented cidal affects against non-enveloped viruses. AHP disinfectants were tested against Poliovirus type 1 (Sabin) with standard organic and hard water challenges, and were found to reduce the pathogen by almost 99.999 percent with a 5-minute contact time. Documented evidence against poliovirus allows manufacturers to claim efficacy against all non-enveloped viruses, including Norwalk virus and NLV.
Further, the manufactures have shown that the in-use dilution of the disinfectant that employs AHP technology is safe on all colour-stabilized fabrics (including carpet, drapery, air filters,
etc.) and most metals. Some soft metals, when left to soak for a longer period of time, exhibit corrosion. The product is marketed as safe for contact with skin, eyes, respiratory and digestive systems, and has no noticeable odour or colour additives.
I put forward that this may be an acceptable alternative to chlorine-based biocides. To my knowledge is it as yet unavailable in the United States, but widely distributed and used in Canada and other nations.
--
Paul Webber
Belleville, Ontario Canada
--------------------------------------------------
The opinions expressed are those of the author of the quoted article and are presented here for educational purposes only.
RR