HYPOCHLOROUS ACID FAQS
What is hypochlorous acid?
Hypochlorous acid is produced naturally in mammalian immune systems and is the substance the cells in our bodies use to fight infections and kill invading pathogens.
It is also known as electrolysed water as it is made commercially from water, salt and electricity.
Hypochlorous acid is one of the most effective known biocides capable of killing 99.9999% of all bacteria and 99.99% of viruses in seconds. As it contains no hazardous ingredients it poses no risk to animals or humans and can even be used to kill bacteria in drinking water. It is also readily biodegradable dissipating to salt and water.
Why is the figure of 99.9999% so important and in practical terms what does this mean?
Of 1 million bacteria other disinfectants with 99.9% kill, leave 1000 bacteria still alive which can re-populate to the original burden within a few hours. Ecoearth’s hypochlorous with 99.9999% kill, leave 0-1 bacteria still alive.
What can hypochlorous acid be used for?
Hypochlorous acid has many uses but there are different regulations in different countries. In the UK it is widely used as a hard and soft surface disinfectant, either in a spray and wipe format or via a fogging machine. Hypochlorous is also a very effective deodoriser and can be used in food preparation and food eating areas with no concerns.
Our hypochlorous acid has been approved as part of the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR, Regulation (EU) 528/2012) for uses PT1-5:
What can hypochlorous acid kill?
Ecoearth’s hypochlorous acid effectively kills bacteria, viruses, yeasts, fungus, moulds and spores.
What efficacy tests have been carried out on Ecoearth hypochlorous?
Our products have been independently laboratory-tested and proven to be effective against a wide range of microorganisms and comply with:
BS EN 1276 – Quantitative suspension test for the evaluation of bactericidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics used in food, industrial, domestic and institutional areas.
BS EN 13704 – Quantitative suspension test for the evaluation of sporicidal activity of chemical disinfectants used in food, industrial, domestic and institutional areas.
BS EN 13697 – Quantitative non-porous surface test for the evaluation of bactericidal and/or fungicidal activity of chemical disinfectants used in food, industrial, domestic and institutional areas.
BS EN 14476 – Viricidal quantitative suspension test for chemical disinfectants and antiseptics used in human medicine.
BS EN 13727 – Quantitative suspension test for the evaluation of bactericidal activity of chemical disinfectants for instruments used in the medical area.
BS EN 1650 – Quantitative suspension test for the evaluation of fungicidal or yeasticidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics used in food, industrial, domestic and institutional areas.
BS EN 1500 – This European Standard specifies a test method simulating practical conditions for establishing whether a product for hygienic handrub reduces the release of transient microbial flora on hands when rubbed onto the artificially contaminated hands of volunteers.
Why is it in black bottles?
Our products need to be protected from UV rays to ensure continued stability. Therefore, all our packaging is UV protected to a very high standard.
How should it be stored?
Hypochlorous acid should be stored out of direct sunlight. As it poses no health and safety concerns there are no specific storage requirements.
Do you require PPE when cleaning with HOCl?
The answer is no, the HOCl is a powerful disinfectant yet perfectly gentle and you do not require PPE when using this as a disinfectant or sanitising.
How quickly does HOCl work?
HOCl works much quicker than any disinfectant product you can buy from the supermarket. Typically, at least 5 times faster, working in seconds not minutes, and it kills more germs (including viruses), killing up to 99.9999% of all pathogens.
How long can I keep Ecoearth’s hypochlorous acid before it stops working?
If kept as recommended, our HOCl will remain active for at least 12 months even after opening.
Can I use HOCl around children?
The term ‘acid’ scares many, but Hypochlorous Acid (HOCI) is a weak acid and an oxidizing agent produced using only water and salt that is passed through a digitalised process of electricity called electrolysis. HOCl is a gentle disinfectant and is fine to use around children.
Can I use HOCl around my pets?
HOCl can be used in a number of ways to help care for your pets, such as regular spraying of their bedding, neutralising pets smells, reducing bacteria and can be used directly on their skin, eyes and mouth as an antiseptic.
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If you have any questions regarding ecoearth, please contact us through the below form and a member of the ecoearth team will get back to you very soon.