Everything You Should Know About Hypochlorous Acid Disinfectant
If you are looking for an effective, safe, and environmentally friendly disinfectant – explore the benefits of Hypochlorous acid and why it is revolutionary for effective bacteria protection.
WHAT IS HYPOCHLOROUS ACID?
Hypochlorous acid (HOCI – Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Chlorine) is the perfect solution to fight germs – it is a weak acid that occurs naturally in the body as part of our immune response to infection. Sometimes also called electrolysed water, it is proven to be 100 times more effective at killing viruses than standard disinfectants.
It was first discovered by Humphrey Davy in 1811. French Scientist Antoine Jerome Ballard continued research in 1834 when he added mercury oxide in water to chlorine gas. The first known use is believed to be in 1841, when chlorine and water were mixed and utilised as a disinfectant, bleaching, oxidising and chlorinating agent.
HOCI is widely regarded as a powerful disinfectant used in the medical industry before antibiotics were available. It was even used to disinfect wounds throughout World War 1.
For more information on this topic read our white paper – What is Hypochlorous acid? Why you Should use it.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Hypochlorous acid works differently in comparison to standard disinfectants which kill the RNA or DNA of bacteria. HOCI kills bacteria within seconds by oxidising the cell wall and quickly penetrating the cell. Standard disinfectants can take up to 10 minutes depending on the solution.
There has been extensive research on the efficacy of HOCI in killing bacteria – and it has proven to be effective against E. coli, MRSA, Listeria, Salmonella, MRSA as well as killing norovirus, poliovirus, and coronavirus. It is, also, reported to kill fungi and mould too.
Its effectiveness has led to its extensive use in the medical field – particularly in hospitals and dental offices where it is of paramount importance.
HYPOCHLOROUS ACID DISINFECTANT
Hypochlorous acid is safe for human use, being an all-natural, non-toxic, and chemical-free substance. Its main properties are water, salt, and electricity.
It has a minimal environmental impact, as it reduces the impact of harmful chemicals needing to be used. It is unique in the fact that it isn’t toxic to humans or animals – but lethal to almost all dangerous bacteria and viruses that threaten our health.
New technological breakthrough
Until recently, it hasn’t been possible to have hypochlorous acid as a stable solution, however with new advancements in technology, we can create devices to make the disinfectant solution on demand. It is already widely used around the world including in the US, Japan, and South Korea.
Hypochlorous acid is trusted in a huge range of industries. Examples include disinfecting drinking water to combat Legionella, dairy farming, food preparation, carpet cleaning and even flower cultivation.
USING HYPOCHLOROUS ACID AS A HAND SANITISER
HOCI is now becoming more widely used in place of alcohol cleaners. This is due to repeated use of alcohol-based cleaners being proven to lead to skin irritation on hands such as rashes and even contact dermatitis due to its drying properties.
The other common disinfectant widely used is bleach – but as we all know bleach is highly irritating to the eyes, skin and over time to the lungs from inhalation. It can, also, leave a residue when used on surface areas – and be corrosive and damaging to certain materials. Additionally, bleach is proven to be environmentally damaging.
Hypochlorous acid is an excellent option for hand sanitiser as it is non-irritating and without harmful side effects. It is non-toxic and safe to use on children and those with sensitive skin.
Today, there is no need to use toxic, expensive synthetic chemicals to disinfect and clean workplaces. Most businesses and households would benefit from using a hypochlorous acid disinfectant machine, as the refillable machines save on cost and reduce plastic waste (hence improving an organisation’s environmental footprint).
Hand sanitiser units and machines
Coler Medical PPE has carefully developed accessible Hypochlorous acid machines that help our customers have a cost-effective and practical option for disinfection. Checkout our MIST-IFY sanitiser units range:
- MIST-IFY-Micro Humidifier
- MIST-IFY Midi Magic
- MIST-IFY Midi Multi-Function Hand Sanitiser Unit
- MIST-IFY Mini Hand Sanitiser and
- MIST-IFY Nano Portable Sanitiser
Contact information for Coler Medical PPE
If you are interested in exploring our Hypochlorous acid solutions, please complete our contact form when you contact us today or browse our online product range.
Learn more about hypochlorous acid and receive further advice and guidance when you call us on +44 (0) 1827 794 294, or email info@colermedical-ppe.co.uk.