In the previous post on our blog we talked about the effective use of disinfectants against coronaviruses. In this new entry we want to focus on one in particular: peracetic acid.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has just published a list of the most effective substances in the fight against covid-19. This is key information for knowing for sure which products are suitable when it comes to disinfecting a space and stopping the spread of the coronavirus.
Among the products that take between two and ten minutes to take effect are: quaternary ammonium, sodium hypochlorite, octanoic or caprylic acid, phenol or carbolic acid, ethanol, triethylene glycol, L-lactic acid or hypochlorous acid.
On the other hand, other compounds that can disinfect covid-19 in one minute or even 30 seconds are for example combined hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, isopropanol, sodium carbonate or washing soda or silver ions with citric acid.
Peracetic acid, effective against viruses
Peracetic acid, one of Solimix’s specialities, is formed from the chemical equilibrium reaction between acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Its mechanism of action is based on the oxidation of the structural and functional components of the microorganisms. A concentration of 150 ppm of peracetic acid is sufficient to validate the effectiveness of the biocide products against many microorganisms.
Peracetic acid also complies with the EN-13697 standard as a fungicide and levuricide at 1875 ppm and 1200 ppm. On the other hand, several studies have proven that its biocidal action, due to its high oxidising power acting on proteins and genetic material (DNA/RNA), makes it a very effective agent against viruses at concentrations of between 400 and 1500 ppm.
Don’t forget that this virus can remain for up to 3 days on door handles, laminated or plastic-coated worktops and other hard surfaces. That’s why we have to take extreme hygiene measures. Along these lines, a study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection shows that coronaviruses “can be effectively deactivated by disinfecting surfaces with 62-71% ethanol, 0.5% hydrogen peroxide or 0.1% sodium hypochlorite (household bleach) in 1 minute”.