ADVERTORIAL
Hypochlorous Acid : The Only Natural Answer for the Future Challenges of Infection Prevention By John Scherberger , FAHE , CMIP , T-CSCT , VPEI
The limitations associated with the use of well-established hospital-grade biocidal agents are widely known . These include toxicity to workers and patients , environmental corrosion , supply chain shortages , and cost . The most recent experiences and extreme awareness placed on infection prevention throughout the COVID-19 pandemic have compounded those limitations .
There is an obvious need to explore new disinfection methods to help maintain bioburden control , reduce overall healthcare-acquired infections ( HAIs ), and improve the safety profile for the benefit of frontline workers , patients , and both the built and natural environments .
Hypochlorous acid ( HOCl ) is the answer to these challenges . HOCl is an electrochemically activated solution created via electrolysis of the sodium chloride ion ( salt ). HOCl has broad-spectrum disinfection effectiveness and can integrate into existing healthcare environments because of its safety and low cost of production using readily available raw materials ; water , salt , and electricity . The most effective HOCl generated contains no salt residue in the final solution . HOCL is also naturally present in all living mammals ’ white blood cells , creating a healing response when emitted from neutrophils to fight and deactivate an invading pathogen .
Using HOCl for disinfection has been reported for more than 100 years ; however , it was not until the
Click to View How HOCl Works
1970s that the solution was rigorously studied and validated . Since then , it has been common to find HOCl in numerous biocidal applications . These include potable water disinfection , food washing / packaging , topical wound care , skin debridement , and environmental cleaning and disinfection .
As shown in the pictorial representation of the interaction between HOCl and a microbe , HOCl has natural oxidizing properties that immediately penetrate the slime layer and cell wall of an organism to rupture biochemical bonds and destroy the pathogen from the inside out .
Unlike traditional purchase , storage , and on-site dilution of current toxic chemical disinfectants , on-site
Click to View HOCl Pathogen Entry generation of HOCl within a facility with an unlimited supply is a reality . Technology exists in the U . S . market today that is EPA-approved to create these solutions within a healthcare facility . The HOCl solution is ready to use , EPA-registered , and safe for all application methods . These methods include spray , flip-top bottles , microfiber charging , and electrostatic spraying .
Many current on-site generated HOCl users enjoy ultimate sustainability , autonomy , and freedom from supply chain challenges . Well-known disinfectant brands ’ fluctuating costs and supply challenges , staff non-compliance with required product dilution ratios , and increased employee risk for chemical exposure are eliminated with on-site HOCl generation .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) includes HOCl in its list of essential medicines , based on the approvals listed below :
• U . S . EPA registration and approval
• U . S . FDA approval for use on food products like meat , fruits , and vegetables , on food-contact surfaces , utensils , and other food-processing equipment
• Canada Health Department as a COVID-19 disinfectant
• Australian government for use against coronavirus
• U . S . Department of Agriculture for use in the National Organic Program
• U . S . EPA approval as a no-rinse food sanitizer and drinking water sanitizer
• 17 product approvals for COVID-19 disinfection purposes
• Japanese National Institute of Technology and Evaluation as effective in inactivating SARS-CoV-2
• 10-plus medical grade HOCl solutions approved for wound care use by the U . S . FDA
The following questions are offered to environmental services professionals and infection preventionists :
• “ Why have I never heard of this ?”
• “ Why do chemical companies have such control on the disinfectant markets in North American hospitals and other medical facilities ?”
• “ Do hospitals realize that they can generate , on-site , HOCl that is 100 times more effective than sodium hypochlorite ( bleach ) and is infinitely safer for people and environments ?”
• “ Do they know that hypochlorous acid meets the safety , efficacy , and cost-decision pillars of the Association of Healthcare Value Analysis Professionals ( AHVAP ) and the Association for the Healthcare Environment ( AHE ) Value-based Product Evaluation and Implementation ( VPEI ) Certification course ?”
• “ Do they know that HOCl is generated on-site for minimal cost ?”
• “ Do they not know that HOCl does not leave floors sticky like quaternary ammonium compounds and adds to overall adaptive resistance of the microorganism ?”
Using disinfectants in the healthcare space is intended to provide widespread protection to patients , caregivers , and the environment . Increases in HAIs are of significant concern . Thus , there is an immediate need to provide novel cleaning and disinfecting methods that will address the multifaceted and everchanging demands of the industry . There currently stands an opportunity to re-establish what clean and disinfected means within our nation ’ s healthcare facilities . Many are waking up to the benefits of on-site generated HOCL . Some of the most prevailing opportunities for healthcare professionals today are listed below .
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Chemical consolidation and cost reduction with HOCl
• Reduces the number of disinfectants / cleaning agents needed daily
• Reduces training costs ; fewer chemicals to learn and no solutions to mix
• Reduces material costs and inventory challenges
• No supply chain issues
• Reduces chemical waste
• Reduces both time and labor
• Is non-corrosive to the environment
• Reduces water use and waste disposal
• Reduces workers ’ compensation liability due to inhalation- and splash-related injuries
• Contributes to improved indoor air and surface quality
• Reduces absenteeism due to on-the-job illness from a chemical solution exposure
• Reduces reliance on disposable plastic and cardboard
• Environmentally responsible
• Eliminates damage to healthcare surfaces
• Prolongs the life of reusable Healthcare-Grade UltraMicrofiber mops and wipers / cloths
• Will not damage carpets , cloth surfaces , uniforms , and scrubs .
Supply chain concerns
According to a recent Grant Thornton survey , when everyone faces supply chain challenges daily , chief financial officers ( CFOs ) say supply chain issues are the biggest challenge for their businesses . Hospital CFOs say that supply chain issues are among the top three categories that worry them . In general , approximately 40 percent of U . S . -based CFOs ( non-hospital ) polled in a Q4 2021 survey said supply chains ranked in the top three most significant challenges facing their business . The supply chain issue represented a 14 percent increase on the Q3 survey . A further 53 percent said they believed supply chain disruption would negatively impact their business in the next six months . Generation of HOCl disinfectant and NaOH cleaner on-site will eliminate supply chain issues for two of the most critical solutions needed in healthcare .
John Scherberger , FAHE , CMIP , T-CSCT , VPEI , is a board member of and researcher for the Pearce Foundation for Scientific Endeavor , as well as an Advisory Committee member of the Environmental Services Optimization Playbook ( EvSOP ).