I am guessing you have arrived at this article because you have an interest in alternative methods to disinfecting?
You might be looking for an alternative to bleach around your home or in your industry.
Maybe you have read about the issues facing our health and environment as a result of the increasing use of antibacterial cleaners?
However you ended up reading this article, I think it would be safe to assume that you have a keen interest in sustainability and keeping you, the environment and your loved ones safe.
Related content: Antibacterial cleaners; the issues facing our health and the environment
What industries use disinfectants?
Let me start by saying when I mention ‘disinfecting’ I am using this word as a ‘coverall’ for deep cleaning, disinfecting and sanitising - did you know there is a difference?
Related content: disinfecting vs santitising; what is the difference
I am also not limiting ‘disinfecting’ to just home or business cleaning;
Disinfection is carried out in many different industries around the world:
- Swimming pool disinfection
- Fruit and vegetable preservation
- Drinking water disinfection
- Biofilm control
- Wound care
- Facility sanitisation
- Animal husbandry
The one thing that all these industries have in common is the predominant chemical used to kill bacteria;
chlorine
Chlorine brings with it a number of risks and issues, yet it is continuing to be used to safeguard us against bacteria.
Yes, of course, different chemicals can be used in place of Chlorine but these come with their own advantages and disadvantages.
As an example; the water industry has several different methods for keeping our water free from bacteria and viruses. You can read about the advantage and disadvantages of these methods here:
Is there a safe alternative to chlorine?
One of the emerging, safe alternatives to all of these strong and harmful disinfectants is electrolysed water.
We say ‘emerging’ but electrolysed water was actually discovered back in 1834 but the concept was underdeveloped until after World War Two when the Russians and Japanese started carrying out studies in the 1950’s.
Is electrolyzed water a safe alternative to chlorine?
Here are 12 things you may or may not know about electrolysed water:
1 – Electrolysed water is known by several different names
- EOW
- ECA
- Electrolysed oxidizing water
- Electro-activated water
- Electro-chemically activated water solution
- Electrolysed water (UK spelling)
- Electrolyzed water (US spelling)
2 – Electro-activated water is made with only tap water, salt and electricity
3 – EOW can be ingested with no risk to animals or humans
4 – Electrolysed water has been proven to destroy a number of pathogens:
- MRSA
- E-coli
- Salmonella
- Norovirus
- Legionella
- Listeria
- Clostridium difficile
5 – Some ECA solutions can kill pathogens within a 10 second contact time
6 – Electro-activated water is safe to dispose as it returns to its constituent parts (salt and water) over time
7 – Electrolysed water is as strong a disinfectant as bleach but safe to drink
8 – ECA can be used on harvested crops to rid them of microbes which can cause fermentation
9 – Electrolysed water can be safely used on wounds to ensure they are free of bacteria which in turn, aids healing
10 – EOW can be fogged or misted into a room, building or facility to ensure a sanitised environment
11 – Electrolysed water can be used around the home and business to sanitise surfaces
12 – For large quantities, ECA can be produced with a generator or bought in bottled form for smaller amounts.
Impressive stuff, right? All this germ busting potential and not a harmful chemical in sight.
What next?
Armed with this information, can you see a potential area where an alternative disinfection could be implemented?
Do you still have questions surrounding alternatives to chlorine?
Maybe we have covered your question in this article:
Related content: 16 questions you may have about electrolysed water
Perhaps you have all the information you need to make the change and you are ready to speak to us?
Jump into the comments section and let us know
If you would rather speak to a human and find out more about how we can help you feel free to give us a call on +44 (0) 1 383 736621
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