Activap
disposes of risks in feminine hygiene disposal
A powerful germicide that is effective against potentially harmful bacteria and
viruses including HIV, Hepatitis B and C is part of a new integrated solution
to the safe disposal of used feminine hygiene products being offered by the Cannon
Hygiene.
Known as Activap, the vapour-releasing germicidal system is designed to start
treating feminine hygiene waste immediately at the point of disposal.
Activap has been proven in tests to destroy the bacteria in the waste, reducing
the levels by 99.999%. This has two simultaneous effects -
Firstly, it renders safe a wide range of potentially infectious and harmful materials.
Secondly, the anti-bacterial system eliminates the odour-causing bacteria, resulting
in long lasting odour prevention, unlike some other scent based products which
simply try to mask the bad odours.
In a study commissioned by Cannon Hygiene, microbiologist Dr David Coates focused
on the potential hazards which could affect washroom users when no specialist
feminine hygiene unit and germicide is provided and the only facility is a conventional
waste bin. The study revealed that untreated sanitary waste can transmit harmful
bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, E.coli and Candida albicans to users in
infectious doses, and that there is also a potential threat from viruses such
as Hepatitis A, B and C. The combined Cannon feminine hygiene system with Activap
has proven to be efficacious and is totally safe and non-toxic.
Another major advantage is that Activap contains highly effective yet entirely
natural ingredients that pose no threat to the environment. When used as part
of Cannon's closed-loop collection system, Activap has the potential to significantly
reduce what is an estimated two billion items of untreated sanitary waste being
flushed down toilets and into Britain's sewage systems every year.
Cannon Hygiene introduced the new approach after working with development partner
Biotal Technologies, a company that develops innovative microbial and anti-microbial
based alternatives to environmentally aggressive chemicals.
Activap is available as an integral part of Cannon's latest range of medical,
clinical and feminine hygiene disposal units. The system is enclosed within a
range of ergonomically-designed waste units incorporating an inner liner, modesty
flap and foot pedal. Cannon's professionally-trained staff collect, clean and
replenish the units off-site according to customer needs. However, Activap remains
effective even in the event that a bin should remain full.
Cannon Hygiene's managing director Oliver Weisflog said: "Our company pioneered
safe feminine hygiene disposal systems in the UK and has more than 50 years' experience
in the field. This is the latest development in a long line of innovations aimed
at protecting people from risk. In this case it also offers strong environmental
credentials."
