Common disinfectants include alcohol and sodium hypochlorite disinfectants, however they have some disadvantages compared to hypochlorous acid disinfectants. Alcohol can burn extremely quickly in a fire; sodium hypochlorite disinfectant smells strongly and irritates skin, so it’s not a suitable option.
Hypochlorous acid (HClO) is a disinfectant that contains chlorine. Human blood white blood cells contain a component called hypochlorous acid. Thus, hypochlorous acid water with a minor acidity is the least hazardous to human health and can rapidly destroy microorganisms. The following are the benefits of hypochlorous acid disinfectants above regular disinfectants.
Sodium hypochlorite has an effective chlorine concentration of 100–200 ppm, despite being used as a food ingredient for sterilizing. Remaining chlorine odor is probably the result of incomplete rinsing. In addition, there are concerns about food safety, environmental burden, drainage treatment, etc. Trihalomethanes (THMs), which are particularly toxic to the human body, are easily combined with organic compounds.
1. There is a significant environmental burden associated with the widely used sodium hypochlorite disinfectant due to its high concentration and abundance of stable and readily residual hypochlorite ions.
2. Pure hypochlorous acid disinfectant differs greatly from bactericides and conventional chemical disinfectants. Its active components are prone to instability. Following sterilization, the active components will progressively oxidize, decrease, and break down upon coming into contact with light, air, and organic matter. The potential rapidly decreases, disintegrates, and becomes regular water very soon. There is no environmental pollution as a result of the discharge. In contrast to conventional chemical disinfectants, it is harmless, leaves no residue, and produces no pollution.
3. Pure hypochlorous acid disinfection is very easy to control and has little environmental impact, even if it is released into the environment. This is because of its low concentration, which makes it easy to neutralize and diminish.
4. Pure hypochlorous acid disinfection also acts quickly, doesn’t foster an environment that would encourage the development of antibodies in bacteria, and doesn’t encourage the emergence of resistance. That makes it a long-lasting, safe, green, and ecologically friendly disinfectant.