Understanding which disinfectants are effective against the virus that causes COVID-19 disease is vital at this time.
Zoonotic pathogens, like the coronavirus causing COVID-19, are infectious microorganisms that can spread between humans and animals. These pathogens present concerns for disease outbreaks, since previously-unknown viruses have the potential to jump from wildlife into the human population with little or no warning. Although most strains of coronavirus only cause the common cold, two particular stains have been responsible for more severe diseases prior to the identification of COVID-19: severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV) in 2002-2003 and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV), first reported in 2012.
In cases of emerging viral pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 disease, Health Canada uses the broad-spectrum virucide concept to determine whether a disinfectant is expected to kill it. This means that if a disinfectant has submitted data to show that it can kill a harder-to-kill surrogate virus, it’s expected to kill other viruses as well. As there’s no specific test method for newly-discovered viruses, Health Canada accepts this broad-spectrum virucide claim as enough evidence that the product will be effective against the COVID-19 coronavirus.
It has to be wet to disinfect!
The speed at which a disinfectant can kill or inactivate pathogens is important because this gives confidence that the pathogens of concern, particularly in health care settings, are killed before the disinfectant solution can dry.
Many of today’s disinfectants evaporate on surfaces before they have a chance to completely kill pathogens. With the emergence of new viruses like the one causing COVID-19, it’s essential that professionals and the public understand that the disinfectant they’re using must reach the required contact time (the time the surface needs to stay wet) as listed on the product label in order to achieve disinfection. If the label states that the contact time is 10 minutes, this means the surface you’re trying to disinfect needs to stay wet for 10 minutes. For this reason, the best disinfectant products must be capable of staying wet throughout the length of the contact time listed on the label.
Choosing a disinfectant isn’t only about the product’s cleaning or killing ability.
Wipe and walk away!
Many of today’s cleaning and disinfection technologies are a threat to human and animal health.Choosing a disinfectant isn’t only about the product’s cleaning or killing ability. The safety profile of the solution and the potential health and safety risks should also be considered. Some disinfectants can cause permanent eye, skin, and mucous membrane damage, some are potentially carcinogenic, and some have been shown to induce occupational asthma. This is also why you need to read the label and dilute as instructed, and why it’s important not to mix chemicals.
When cleaning and disinfecting at home, focus on the areas that are most frequently touched. This might include doorknobs, faucets, light switches, TV remotes, cell phones, and keyboards. These are the areas that will have the most contamination, and we may not always wash our hands after touching these surfaces. When it comes to protecting ourselves against COVID-19, washing our hands with plain soap and water is one of the most important things we can do.
Many disinfectants evaporate before achieving disinfection. Using disinfectants that stay wet for the required contact time will increase product compliance.
Some disinfectants may pose a health risk to users, patients, and the environment. Using a disinfectant with a preferred safety profile will increase user compliance.
Some disinfectants have labels that are ambiguous. Due diligence is required to effectively select disinfectants to meet regulatory compliance.
On the front line in the war against pathogens
As an infection prevention and biosecurity company, being able to manage increased demand due to outbreaks or pandemics is paramount. As disinfection is one of the key tenets for breaking the chain of infection, Virox ensures that it has developed strong relationships with its vendors to make sure that its ability to produce product isn’t impacted when spikes in demand occur.
Its patented Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide® (AHP®) technology has been designed to combat the current shortcomings of other disinfectant technologies in the health care and professional cleaning industry. AHP® provides the perfect balance between safety and efficacy. With only one application needed for efficient pathogen kill and inclusion on Health Canada’s list of approved disinfectants, the patented AHP® technology uses the power of oxidation to clean and disinfect surfaces as it dries slowly to ensure disinfection has occurred. From SARS and norovirus to pandemic influenza and now COVID-19, AHP® technology has consistently been on the front lines, fighting outbreaks and helping to save lives.
