An important turning point was reached in 1818 when Louis Jacques Thénard discovered hydrogen peroxide, whose composition showed an additional oxygen atom in comparison to water.1
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This extra reactive oxygen atom splits apart during breakdown, releasing energy and creating oxygen and water molecules. Because of this special chemical characteristic, hydrogen peroxide has strong oxidizing properties and works well as a disinfectant.
Its reactive nature, which degrades cellular structures, interferes with essential operations, damages DNA, and eliminates infectious agents, giving it the power to destroy microbes.
Techniques of Hydrogen Peroxide Disinfection: VHP, HPV, HHP, iHP
Hydrogen peroxide is utilized in several ways, many of which have acronyms that contain some version of "HP" or hydrogen peroxide. A technique that uses high hydrogen peroxide concentrations has been used traditionally for the past 40–50 years.
This method treats surfaces with a high concentration for a predetermined amount of time to significantly reduce microbes. This process is often called hydrogen peroxide vapor or evaporated hydrogen peroxide.
Several businesses advocate using a vaporizer and 35% hydrogen peroxide to bolster their disinfection claims.
As an alternative, some businesses choose to use hydrogen peroxide at a reduced concentration and add an addition, such as silver, to improve microbial elimination. However, the additives used in this method present environmental hazards and can cause equipment corrosion.
One of the most recent methods in the field is a "pulsing" technique, which involves dispersing a small amount of hydrogen peroxide over a region and maintaining a fog by adding more hydrogen peroxide sporadically for at least half an hour.
Even though just 7% hydrogen peroxide is claimed to be used, the prolonged pulsing period and the area's sustained hydrogen peroxide concentration could cause corrosion problems and a long turnaround time.
The usage of additives, high hydrogen peroxide concentrations, and the lengthy pulse duration are all eliminated by the novel method known as ionized hydrogen peroxide (iHP).
To generate iHP and preserve the integrity of surfaces, buildings, and delicate equipment without sacrificing essential disinfection, a low-concentration 7.8% hydrogen peroxide solution is pushed through a cold plasma arc to produce hydroxyl radicals.
Looking into the Label
It is important to carefully evaluate Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for information on potential safety dangers, the composition and specifics of materials, directions for safe handling and storage, and the chemical composition and processes needed to achieve high-level decontamination.
Even though the public may not be aware of the precise inert elements, evaluating the chemical's dangerous qualities can be aided by looking at the safety data sheet for details like flashpoint testing.
Examining the EPA label, registrations, third-party research, and Safety Data Sheets is crucial. SteraMist iHP is the only system and equipment combination based on hydrogen peroxide registered with the EPA.
In contrast to less reliable application techniques, this shows that its EPA registration was obtained by testing that included passing hydrogen peroxide through a cold plasma arc, which was the first time such a procedure was used and guaranteed reproducible results.
Obtaining registrations and conducting research to back up a disinfectant's efficacy claims requires a thorough procedure and high transparency. It is helpful to look into the studies and registrations related to a company's technology to make an informed choice that satisfies your unique needs.
References and Further Reading
- Le, J. (1990). Origin and development of hydrogen peroxide disinfection systems. PubMed, 16(1 Suppl), pp. S36-42. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2407383
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by SteraMist Disinfection and Decontamination Technology.
For more information on this source, please visit SteraMist Disinfection and Decontamination Technology.