School Infection Control Handbook - 2010

Chapter 4: Selection of Products, Dispensing Equipment, and Application Systems

Active Ingredient in Institutional Disinfectant Produc ts

Bleach (sodium hypochlorite, 5.25% concentration) 5–10 minute dwell time Read the label for specific recommended dwell times Mixing with ammonia, QACs, and other acidic products can create poisonous gas 5 Corrosive to eyes and skin, and a respiratory irritant. 6 Suspected cardiovascular, gastrointestinal or liver, kidney, central nervous system, respiratory, and skin or sense organ toxicant 7

Accelerated hydrogen peroxide (hydrogen peroxide/anionic surfactants) 1- to 10-minute dwell time Read the label for specific recommended dwell times

Botanicals (e.g., thymol in Benefect ® )

Quaternary ammonium compounds

Silver dihydrogen citrate (e.g., in PureGreen24 ® ) 30-second to 10- minute dwell time Read the label for specific recommended dwell times No warning or first aid statements are required on the label

Disinfectant Characteristics

Phenols

Dwell time*

Generally 10- minute dwell time Read the label for specific recommended dwell times Phenols are recognized carcinogens 7 and suspected cardiovascular, developmental respiratory, and skin and sense organ toxicants 8 Specific product MSDSs warn that the product is harmful if absorbed through the skin and that inhalation of product mist may cause respiratory irritation 3 Requires PPE and increased ventilation 9 neurological, reproductive,

Generally 10-minute dwell time Read the label for specific recommended dwell times Can cause contact dermatitis and nasal irritation 9 QACs including benzalkonium chloride, dodecyl-dimenthyl- benzyl ammonium chloride, and lauryl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride are respiratory sensitizers and associated with asthma 10

10-minute dwell time Read the label for specific recommended dwell times

Health effects

No warning or first aid statements are required on the MSDS The botanical oils in the product are either FDA approved as Food Additives or on the U.S. GRAS list Third-party certified by EcoLogo to meet environmental and human health criteria (the EPA does not allow eco labels on disinfectants)

Some products using this technology have been third-party certified by EcoLogo to meet environmental and human health criteria (the EPA does not allow eco labels

[i.e., Green Seal certification] on disinfectants)

Exposure controls*

PPE and/or increased ventilation should be used 9

Requires PPE and proper ventilation

No special requirements; regular ventilation is adequate

No special requirements; regular ventilation is adequate

No special requirements; regular ventilation is adequate

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