What is a Biocidal Product?

Coler Medical PPE often refers to hypochlorous acid as being a biocidal product in literature and on our website. As an aid and to explain the jargon of the word “Biocidal,” we have authored this article. So, read below to learn about “What is a Biocidal product?”

Definitions for the word “Biocidal”

We all use biocidal products regularly, here are definitions from three sources for the word “Biocidal”:

1. “A substance or chemical that kills organisms such as mould.” Source: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
2. “A biocide is a chemical substance, mixture, or microorganism intended to control any harmful organism in a way that is not purely physical or mechanical.” Source: Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
3. “A chemical agent, such as a pesticide, that is capable of destroying living organisms.” Source: The Free Dictionary

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Law and Regulations relating to the use of biocides in the UK

Here is a summary of laws and regulations relating to Biocides (biocidal products) use in the UK:

• Law:
  • England, Scotland, and Wales – The Biocidal Products Regulations 2001 – Often abbreviated to BPR 2001, this legislation came into force on 6^th April 2001. This legislation places a legal framework around all aspects of biocidal products in the UK
  • Northern Ireland – The EU Biocidal Products Regulation (EU BPR) 2012 – Abbreviated to EU BPR 2012. Following Brexit, Northern Ireland adopted the EU law for biocidal products
• Regulation – The Health and Safety Executive – All aspects of BPR 2001 are managed and overseen and regulated by the HSE

Active ingredients in biocides

What makes a chemical biocidal is the ingredients contained within it. The active ingredient(s) are the one(s), which take the intended/desired action.

At Coler Medical PPE, our MIST-IFY product range includes hypochlorous acid as the active ingredient in our hand sanitisers, which are a form of disinfectant.

MIST-IFY instant sanitiser from Coler Medical PPE, a biocidal product

Why is hypochlorous acid (HOCl) a biocidal product?

Here are reasons why hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a biocidal product:

• HOCl is included on the BPR active substance lists for GB and NI, clicking this link downloads an Excel spreadsheet of all active substances. HOCl has the following catalogue entries:
  • Description – “Active chlorine released from hypochlorous acid” –
  • CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) Number 7790-92-3
  • EC (European Community) Number 232-232-5
• HOCl destroys bacteria, viruses, and other micro-organisms upon contact
• HOCl is classified as a disinfectant under BPR

Other accreditations

As well as being included on the BPR active substance list, HOCl is also approved and certified by the following bodies – FDA Approved, EPA Approved, EN1276 Certified, EN13727 Certified, EN14476 Certified, and EN1500 Certified

How to contact Coler Medical PPE

We hope you have found this article informative and understand how Coler Medical PPE’s hypochlorous acid is an example of a biocidal product. If you have any questions about our MIST-IFY range, why not call us today on +44 (0) 1827 794 294, or send an email to info@colermedical-ppe.co.uk or complete a contact form.

Image Credit: EU EHCA

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