Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 18th April 2024 Issue no. 1110
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Four terms we need to know when selecting disinfectants…
Writes Hannah Jonasse of ProNatural Brands, marketer of citric-acid-based cleaning solutions, sanitisers, and disinfectants…
“When selecting disinfectants, cleaning professionals must know as much as possible about the products they choose. For instance, how often do cleaning professionals inquire about the 'shelf stability' of the disinfectants they select? It's something that rarely comes up, but it can be a very important consideration when protecting human health.
Shelf stability, also known as shelf life, refers to how long a disinfectant can sit on a shelf at room temperature and still be effective.
An EPA-certified citric-acid-based disinfectant typically has a shelf life of two years; a chlorine-based disinfectant may only have a shelf life of one year; and quat-based disinfectants may have a shelf life of three years and still effectively eliminate pathogens as listed on the product's label.
Additional terms cleaning professionals should be familiar with are:
Germ mutation potential…
Also called germline mutation potential, this refers to the possibility of a disinfectant changing DNA cell structure, which can affect the user and be passed onto human offspring.
The newly changed cell structure can cause cancer and increase the risk of certain tumours. In this case, chlorine-based and citric-acid-based disinfectants have a low potential, but quat-based disinfectants have a high potential to cause germ mutations.
Naturally derived…
In our comparison, the only disinfectant that is ‘naturally derived’ is a citric-acid-based disinfectant. Naturally derived or ‘plant derived’ refers to disinfectants that have a high percentage of ingredients made from natural sources, such as plants, vegetables, and fruits.
Chlorine-based and quat disinfectants are synthetically derived. They are formulated from chemical ingredients, including petrochemicals, making them not naturally derived.
Risk in handling…
A critical designation, but again, one that is often overlooked. ‘Risk’ refers to the likelihood that something living or inanimate could be harmed or damaged. In this case, chlorine-based disinfectants have high risk; citric-acid-based disinfectants and quats are low risk.
Another matter often overlooked is the issue of hard water. Hard water can negatively impact the efficacy of disinfectants, especially chlorine-based disinfectants and quats. Citric-acid-based disinfectants, on the other hand, meet high efficacy standards in soft and hard water.”
Since its beginning in 2012, ProNatural Brands has developed a full line of 100% naturally derived disinfectants, sanitisers and cleaning products with patented, citrus formulas for the foodservice, healthcare, education, and hospitality industries, as well as for the consumer market. ProNatural Brand's products have been scientifically proven to be effective and a safer alternative for the user's health and the environment.
1st June 2023