In May, the Chemistry Blog focused on Hydrogen Peroxide. Now, you might wonder, why
then would we dedicate a second blog to Hydrogen Peroxide. Aside from the fact that the Improved H2O2
formulations are patented, the primary reasoning is that these formulations
truly stand out as unique and novel technologies that warrant further
discussion.
Ever since the progression of the medical sciences
various chemicals have been used as active ingredients for disinfection and
sanitization, with the newer actives being more effective, safer, and easier to
use. Currently, the most common disinfectants use quaternary ammonium compounds
(QUATS), alcohols, or sodium hypochlorite (bleach) as their active ingredients.
The use of above actives imposes various problems such as user hazards,
efficacy limitations, and negative environmental effects. Improved Hydrogen Peroxide has successfully tackled all these issues.
Improved Hydrogen Peroxide formulations contain varying
levels of Hydrogen Peroxide in combination with anionic and /or non-ionic surfactants (detergents), and other inerts such as chelating agents and wetting agents. This combination of chemicals
works in synergy to provide exceptional cleaning efficiency but most importantly,
from an infection prevention perspective, boosts the antimicrobial speed and
spectrum of efficacy of hydrogen peroxide.
Improved Hydrogen Peroxide leaves no residues on applied surfaces as it
turns into water and oxygen upon drying, and imposes no use or environmental
hazards as its use concentrations and decomposition products are very low and
thus safe. In fact, Improved Hydrogen
Peroxide formulations have attained the lowest toxicity category as defined by
the US EPA. As Category IV classified
compounds they are considered practically non-toxic and non-irritating.
Improved Hydrogen Peroxide products are commercially
available through a number of companies in various concentrations ranging from
0.5% to 7% and varying applications.
Such companies have differing marketing terminology for their patented
technologies such as “Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide” or “Activated Hydrogen Peroxide”. As per the advantages
described above, Improved Hydrogen Peroxide is a well-rounded active ingredient
that has no limitations in its use at ranges of product types. At concentrations
of 0.5% to 1.4%, Improved Hydrogen Peroxide formulations can be used for
cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces and non-critical
devices. Improved Hydrogen Peroxide
formulations with peroxide concentrations higher than 2% can be used as high
level disinfectants and chemosterilants; solutions that can be used to submerge
semi-critical and critical medical devices. Utilization of Improved Hydrogen
Peroxide in hand sanitizers is another new method for skin surface sanitizers.
Its use provides superior antimicrobial efficacy without endangering the users
by skin sensitization, toxic chemical residue leftover, or risks of oral
consumption abuse. Similar to the dermal applications, the use of Improved
Hydrogen Peroxide for animal hygiene is also another advantage to produce
animal care products that are both safe and effective. Due to generally high
compatibility and low corrosiveness of Improved Hydrogen Peroxide, its
disinfectant solutions are also used to disinfect a variety of sensitive
medical instruments and apparatuses. Improved Hydrogen Peroxide is not limited
in its uses; more areas of development are considering its use while its
acceptance among the end users is growing due to its advantages.
Depending on application Improved Hydrogen Peroxide
formulations are utilized within a spectrum of various concentrations. Taking this into account, here’s how we would
score Improved Hydrogen Peroxide on the key decision making criteria:
• Speed of Disinfection – A to B
o Formulation dependent, surface disinfectants range from
30 second sanitizing to 10 minute disinfection, Sporicidal Surface Disinfectant
in 10 minutes, High Level Disinfectants for Instrument disinfection 5 minute
disinfection and Chemical Sterilants in 20 minutes.
• Spectrum of Kill – A
o Similar to above, spectrum of kill is formulation
dependant
o Depending on the Improved Hydrogen Peroxide formulation
they are capable of killing all microorganisms; bacteria, viruses, fungi,
mycobacteria and spores.
• Cleaning Effectiveness – A
o Excellent cleaning capabilities as the formulations
include a blend of non-ionic and anionic surfactants which are known to provide
superior cleaning in conjunction with H2O2 which also aids in cleaning
• Safety Profile – A to B
o At their in-use concentrations, surface disinfectants
are non-toxic and non-irritating for users.
o Instrument disinfectants are non-toxic and do not
require special ventilation systems
• Environmental Profile – A
o H2O2 degrades into water and oxygen.
o Some Improved Hydrogen Peroxide surface formulations
have been developed to achieve Eco-certifications such as EcoLogo and EPA’s
Design for the Environment (DfE).
**For more in-depth scientific information about Improved
Hydrogen Peroxide and other disinfectant chemistries, stay tuned to
www.infectionpreventionresource.com.
Bugging Off!
Nicole
