NEW YORK — It sounds like a late-night infomercial: Kill germs and clean surfaces with nothing more than water and a few volts of electricity! Pay pennies a gallon! Strong enough to kill germs but gentle on your skin! The use of electricity and water to clean and disinfect has been embraced by some food and hospitality businesses looking to save money and go green by swapping out conventional products.
At busy Whole Foods on Manhattan’s Union Square, workers keep battery-operated spray bottles designed to keep surfaces clean with water packing an electrical charge. Also available are electrolyzed oxidizing water products, or EO water, which are cleaning systems that use salt and electricity to create solutions for cleaning kitchens, prison floors and hotel rooms.  No, these are not miracle elixirs.

While users of the two different types of systems say they save money, start-up costs are far higher than simply buying a bottle of bleach. They’re not suitable for every cleaning job, and different zapped water treatments can lose potency over time. Critics say some of the claims for electrolyzed water in particular — it’s touted as everything from a health drink to a skin treatment — are overblown. Still, studies have shown water exposed to a charge works as a cleaner.
“We use it everywhere,” said Mary Ann Flynn, appearance manager for the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. The school uses EO water. “They fill mop buckets with it. They fill bottles so that the students and the chefs use it in the kitchen.”
The electrolyzed water systems vary, but a common type creates separate streams of disinfectant and cleaner by
running a charge through water exposed to salt. The disinfectant stream mainly contains hypochlorous acid, a form of chlorine. Viking Pure, one of several makers active in the United States, claims its sanitizing solution is effective against a long list of pathogens ranging from listeria to swine flu virus. A big selling point of the machines it sells is that users make the cleaner on the spot so they don’t have to transport chemicals. Viking Pure’s president, Walter Warning, said the “acid water” is so gentle you can spray it on your skin. The same salt-and-electricity process also creates a separate stream of sodium hydroxide, a common ingredient in cleaners. This “alkaline” stream can be used as a general purpose cleaner and degreaser.

Deborah Stone, housekeeping manager for Carolina Designs rental agency at North Carolina’s Outer Banks, swears by it and said some of the biggest problems are convincing workers they can clean without suds. “It’s very difficult for the cleaners to comprehend that because there is no smell and because there are no bubbles, they don’t get the sense that they’re actually cleaning,” Stone said. “You still have those die-hard people that want the suds and the pretty smell.”
Academic researchers have found that electrolyzed systems can be effective cleaners and disinfectants when the process is done correctly.

Professor Ali Demirci of the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Pennsylvania State University has researched the use of EO water to decontaminate various food products and clean dairy equipment. He has found it works well for both cleaning equipment surfaces and killing bacteria. Professor Yen-Con Hung of the Department of Food Science & Technology at the University of Georgia has studied electrolyzed water for years and said it can be more effective than bleach in many cases. Researchers note that EO water performs best on smooth surfaces. Bassam Annous, a research microbiologist for the federal Agricultural Research Service, has found it does not work well ridding lettuce and apples of E. coli because the water-based solution cannot penetrate the minute crevices where the bacteria can lurk. “This is not a silver bullet,” Hung said. “EO water is not perfect.”

Bob Brown, who is in charge of food safety support for Whole Foods, said that a number of stores in the
mid-Atlantic and Midwest are starting to use the sprayers for cleaning glass and other surfaces, like conveyor
belts. “It’s better for the environment if you’re not using chemicals,” Brown said. “So it’s a green technology that’s
available.” How green? That’s hard to quantify precisely.

In the case of the electric spray bottles, there are no chemicals. Both the spray bottles and the EO water require
electricity, though not much. Activeion’s spray bottle runs on a rechargeable 12-volt battery. Bob Schildgen, aka Mr. Green, the environmental advice columnist at Sierra Club, said comparing a chemical-based cleaner to an electricity-based one is apples to oranges.  “It’s extraordinarily difficult to compare such different processes and come to a firm conclusion on it,” he said.

Copyright 2011 Associated Press

Sodium Hypochlorite Solution (NAOCL)

Sodium Hypochlorite solution often called bleach usually containing LYE is manufactured at a factory, stored, shipped to distribution centers, stored again and then sold.

Calcium Hypochlorite Solution (CAOCL)

Dry Calcium Hypochlorite tablets produce a “FRESH” Hypochlorite solution when mixed with water. In tests done, a solution produced with the proper Calcium Hypochlorite tablet, can maintain “Free Available Chlorine” or Hypochlorous Acid the
active disinfectant in this Calcium Hypochlorite solution, for ONLY about 4 hrs, then it starts rapidly degrading.

Hypochlorous Acid Solution (HOCL)

Until now, HOCl has simply been thought of as a transient byproduct in the ubiquitous chlorine chemical family. However, HOCl generated by ECA technology carries with it fewer negative hydroxides than the previous HOCl formed via disassociation from sodium hypochlorite. Because of this, ECA-generated HOCl behaves uniquely and must be considered separately from chlorine. HOCl as a stand-alone chemical, separate from chlorine, has not been available in the market until now. This breakthrough results in a need for a paradigm shift in biocidal approaches. HOCl is an “old”, well appreciated chemical but is now “new” availabie as onsite generated solution.

1. Free available Chlorine content

For a chlorine solution to be a good disinfectant it must meet the Chlorine Demand. The chlorine demand is the amount of Free Available Chlorine (FAC) often called Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl), needed to disinfect or oxidize organic matter before a FAC residual is reached. If the chlorine demand is not met then complete disinfection has not been obtained. One of the best signs that the Chlorine Demand has not been met is the strong chlorine odor.

If a chlorine solution is does not contain enough HOCl to satisfy the chlorine demand of the surface or product to be disinfected, chloramines will form as chlorine and nitrogen-based materials combine. Examples of nitrogen-based materials are proteins and blood. Chloramines are responsible for the obnoxious odor sometimes associated with chlorine disinfection. The obnoxious, pungent, eye-stinging smell of chloramines, mistakenly identified as free chlorine, indicates that the chlorine/water mix is not effective. There is not enough HOCl to satisfy the chlorine demand

2. Chlorine Efficacy determined by pH

Chlorine in water splits into two forms, Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) and Hypochlorite Ion (OCl-). At the high pH the chlorine provided by bleach contains a maxiimum of Hypochlorite Ion. The chlorine produced by onsite Electrolyses in an Aquaox System contains a maximum concentration of Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl).

How much of each is present in a chlorine solution is totally dependent upon the pH of the solution. As pH rises, less Hypochlorous Acid and more Hypochlorite Ion is in the solution. As the pH rises, less germ killing power is available. According to a University of Illinois study, HOCl is 120 times more effective as a sanitizer than the -OCl ion. The ideal pH of a disinfecting chlorine solution is a pH of 6-7.

Most FRESH Calcium Hypochlorite solutions have a pH of between 7 and 8.  ALL (fresh or old) Sodium Hypochlorite solutions, (“bleach”) have a pH of 10.25+ producing NO HOCl at all! These solutions produce only the OCl- ion, a very poor disinfectant which is from 80 to 120 times less effective as a disinfectant than HOCl, providing that there is any chlorine left in the stock solution.

3. Contact time

The amount of time that chlorine is present during treatment is called the contact time. Contact times are calculated to determine the amount of time that a disinfectant must be present in the system to achieve a specific kill of microorganisms, for a given disinfectant concentration. A long contact time  means that disinfection alone will not be sufficient treatment and additional methods will be necessary to eliminate the microorganisms.  The contact time is directly related to the chemicals’ efficiency of eliminating bacteria and viruses from the water. HOCl requires by far the shortest contact time to achieve a 99% kill of E. coli (Reynolds, 1996).

4. Shelf-life and added lye

Finally, just as champagne or carbonated water “go flat” on sitting as the bubbly carbon dioxide gas escapes into the air, chlorine escapes from a Hypochlorite solution thus weakening its germ killing value. In order to slow this escape, bleach manufacturers add Sodium Hydroxide (lye) to their product causing the pH to rise dramatically. Lye burns animal and plant tissues; it saponifies (converts) fats in poultry and meat products. Hypochlorous Acid dispensed from Aquaox Systems contains NO LYE!

According to all the technical literature, depending on storage conditions; ALL Hypochlorite solutions will lose half of their potency in less than thirty days. Light, temperature and age are the biggest factors.  The biggest misconception is that liquid household bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite) does not loose potency until you make a Sodium Hypochlorite solution; “liquid household bleach” is already a Sodium Hypochlorite solution, that starts degrading soon after manufacture, so a “bleach” bottle bought at a retail store or chemical supply house is, NOT a FRESH Hypochlorite solution. It is a Hypochlorite solution with an unknown chlorine content, so when we make a solution all we are doing is diluting an already weak Hypochlorite solution even more. All literature recommends that if you are using “chlorine bleach”, daily tests should be conducted by a laboratory to assure its potency.

Why Use onsite produced Hypochlorous Acid solutions instead of Calcium or Sodium Hypochlorite solutions?

1. Onsite electrolyses of a brine solution in Aquaox Systems produce a maximum of Hypochlorous Acid whereas pH can be accurately set and controlled anywhere between 3-7.

2. At an pH of ~5 the Hypochlorous Acid solution consist almost solely of Free Available Chlorine and maximum disinfection is achieved.

3. Hypochlorous Acid requires the shortest contact time to eradicate a microorganism.

4. As Hypochlorous Acid is produced onsite, there is no need of mixing and dilution of Hypochlorite solutions with unknown chlorine content. Shelf life is no issue, as Hypochlorous Acid solutions are produced on demand. Therefore no addition of Lye is required, as shelf life became more or less irrelevant.

REFERENCES

George Clifford White, Handbook of Chlorination and Alternative Disinfectants. Third Edition, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1999.

George R. Dychdala. Chlorine and Chlorine Compounds. In: Block SS, ed. Disinfection, Sterilization, and Preservation, 5th ed. Philadelphia Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2001.

August/September 2010

// A new technology has taken the housekeeping industry literally by storm this past year. It is activated water. The recent threat of an H1N1 pandemic severely impacting our public health prompted new and innovative ways for spot cleaning, particularly to clean frequently touched surfaces (frequently referred to as “high-touch” or “common-touch”) in institutions in which the flu finds an ideal fomital transmission environment, such as schools, hospitality, recreational and correctional facilities.

Because several states, as well as the U.S. Federal Government, are aggressively urging the housekeeping industry to embrace the concept of sustainability and green cleaning, coupled with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Tools for Schools initiative, the housekeeping professionals have responded by seeking better ways of cleaning with products of lower toxicity and zero persistence in the environment. Not surprisingly, nothing meets this criterion better than water.

As sanitarians in the public health arena, we are not only concerned with cleaning but also with significantly reducing the bioburden as we clean. Additionally, by way of disease prevention, maintaining the potential bioloads of these surfaces as low as possible, under practical and cost-effective conditions, makes the use of water, in any form, ideal.

Disinfectant versus Sanitizer
However, before I go on to explain the phenomenon of activated water products and their potential use in the retail food industry, let me first take this opportunity to clarify the terminology we use in its description and to place activated water in the proper context of cleaning and bioload reduction.

Activated water closely fits the criteria of cleaner and “sanitizer” versus that of a “disinfectant.” To make this distinction, I found an excellent short lexicographic essay written by someone at Hillyard Chemical. I am taking the liberty of paraphrasing this piece for brevity of explanation.

The difference between a “disinfectant” and a “sanitizer” is one of application. Whereas the health care industry is mainly interested in “disinfectant” data, the foodservice-related industries guided by the Public Health Services are primarily concerned with “sanitizer” claims. The actual difference between the two terms is, to some extent, a matter of legal definition. In current American regulatory parlance, a disinfectant is a product that completely destroys all specific test organisms in 10 minutes under conditions of the AOAC Use Dilution Test, whereas a sanitizer is a product which destroys 99.999% (or a 5-log reduction) of specified test bacteria in 30 seconds under conditions of the Official Detergent Sanitizer Test. Obviously, both deal with different aspects of the same problem: killing bacteria.

Interest in the use of germicides used in hospitals centered on completely destroying all possible microorganisms. In the normal course of hospital application, it was felt practical to allow at least 10 minutes of contact time to accomplish this objective. As a result, most disinfectant tests were developed to ascertain whether any bacteria survived 10 minutes of germicide contact—nothing more, nothing less. In fact, when contact times significantly less than 10 minutes are allowed, it becomes very difficult to get any kind of meaningful results out of the Use Dilution Test.

In foodservice and other public health-related industries, interest in germicides took a different approach. It became obvious that the conditions of use differed from hospitals and that tests based on 10 minutes of contact time could not be satisfactorily interpreted. Public health professionals reasoned that 30 seconds was about all the contact time they could realistically expect. Nevertheless, the prevailing disinfectant tests could not yield 30-second results. Therefore, they developed their own test—the Official Detergent Sanitizer Test.

Because the public health scientists did not anticipate that they could actually get complete kill in 30 seconds with any practical chemical agent, they developed a test in which bacteria are actually counted. They found that a 99.999% reduction in 30 seconds with practical agents was quite acceptable for the intended application and adopted this standard. To distinguish these products from disinfectants, they called them sanitizers.

The 5-log reduction rule of sanitizing took on new meaning when applied to newer methods for getting surfaces biologically clean. Validation of surface cleanliness with particle counting and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) let us redefine “clean” in a completely different context: where the 5-log reduction in organisms could actually be obtained through the physical act of cleaning. This meant that on a smooth surface, we could accurately measure the initial bioburden in negative log numbers by increasing the area of the test in much the same dynamic as determining the more traditional D, Z and F values we use for temperature and mass differences. After cleaning, we can now easily determine 5-log reduction estimates by measuring total ATP levels. Since microbial removal is part of overall biological cleanliness, it can be assumed that we can achieve a state of ‘sanitization’ using the same criteria that we do for hot water rinses in warewashers. Thus, from the applied data found in refereed journals and contract laboratory analyses, activated water has found a niche in chemical-free cleaning, with results quite comparable to those of sanitizing agents. In short, when used judiciously and with validation, activated water can replace chemical sanitizers in many applications in the retail food industry.

How Activated Water Products Work
There is considerable confusion about how the current generations of activated water cleaning products work. First, they all start with plain, potable, tap water. The water must be conductive. While most conventional products clean and sanitize based on chemical reactions, the newer, solid-state-activated water sprayers and scrubbers work mainly on principles of physics and electrical engineering. Contrary to popular perception, the process is not solely or mainly based on typical electrolysis. The technology does however use electrolysis, causing almost imperceptible pH and other changes in water chemistry, but these barely measurable effects are not the “active ingredients” used to clean.

Applying a small amount of electricity to water breaks down the water’s molecules, lowering its natural surface tension and creating positively and negatively charged water ions. When applied to a surface in this electrolyzed form, water can spread to contact dirt, just as it does when mixed with chemicals. The charged ions in the water attach to the dirt and help lift it from the surface.

In addition, water electrolysis is actually applied to “create” charged, nano-sized gas bubbles in the water. These electrically charged bubbles attach themselves to dirt particles, causing the particles in turn to become charged and repel from surfaces, thus enabling soils to be suspended in water and wiped away. Soil removal performance tests were developed and conducted by the University of Massachusetts’ TURI Lab. Most testing was performed to a modified ASTM G122 Test Method, a modified version of the Green Seal GS37 standard, the CSPA DCC 17 – Greasy Soil Test Method or the CRI Carpet Spot Cleaning TM 110 standard. The results clearly show that activated water cleaning works effectively on most common soils, including those found in food production.

As a sanitizing agent, the main “ingredient” behind the germ-killing effect of modern activated water devices is electroporation. This is a scientific process that applies a low-level electrical field to bacteria or viruses. This electrical charge creates holes or “pores” in the membrane of the cell, which breaks down the walls of the bacterial cells and kills them. It is also believed that pathogenic viruses are affected in the same way. Only when the unit is activated in which the water acts as a conductor does electroporation occur. With the newer hand-held devices, this entails spraying the surface constantly for 6 seconds to sanitize it. EPA-compliant Good Laboratory Protocol tests show that it works and is an effective, broad-spectrum sanitizer. One of the benefits of the electroporation technology is that it does not require contact or dwell time for efficacy. Contact with the spray itself was shown to cause an immediate 3-log reduction without any additional help from flushing or mechanical soil removal. Furthermore, the electrically activated water is completely safe and returns to its natural state in about 30 to 45 seconds. Studies show that electrically activated water cleans as well as, or better than, traditional general-purpose cleaning chemicals.

Electrolyzed Water
There is yet another cleaning method that predates activated water but uses tap water and table salt. It is commonly dubbed electrolyzed water where ions are basically scrambled by an electric current. Unlike activated water, it relies on contact time for its efficacy as a cleaner and sanitizing agent. The generators use a combination of cell technology, salt and electricity to alter the molecular structure of water, creating a non-toxic, oxidized, antimicrobial solution that is capable of killing many pathogens in less than a minute. Opposed to smaller, hand-held devices with activated water, this is an in situ technology that has been used as an effective cleaner and broad-spectrum sanitizer for decades in Russia and Japan, and is finally winning acceptance here in the U.S. and Canada.

The sanitizing characteristics are a bit different in this technology. The high oxidation of the water first damages bacterial cell walls, allowing infiltration by water. The microbe reaches capacity, causing an osmotic, or hydration, overload. The acidic fluid and water floods the cell more rapidly than the cell can expel it, literally causing the cell to burst.

Although the initial cost for the water electrolysis unit is somewhat high, it can often be amortized in 1 year by replacing conventional cleaners in mop buckets, sprayers and anywhere harsher and more toxic cleaning chemicals are currently used or needed. In addition, it has no odor, nor does it produce foam, making it ideal for use in food production. There are numerous citations in the scientific and industry literature that this technology has effectively demonstrated excellent cleaning ability in the dairy, poultry and produce industries. Test results showed that for a dwell time between 7.5 to 10 minutes, electrolyzed water was as effective in removing organic matter as conventional treatments, making this technology ideal for general use in retail food establishments.

Conclusion
These technologies show great promise, limited only by our imagination. I predict that full approval and acceptance of both activated and electrolyzed water as cleaners and sanitizers in the retail food industry will soon become a reality.

On a personal note, activated water hand-held generators have been used in my home for general cleaning for over a year. I have used both ATP swabs and RODAC plates in various small experiments in which comparisons were made between activated water and brand-name household chemicals purchased from my local supermarket. I found virtually no difference between the two. Because the activated water generator is always available and requires a mere press of the trigger, it is used considerably more often than the conventional cleaners. Being a bit lazy, the idea that there is no additional bucket, dilution or mixing involved makes this technology particularly appealing. While it does not entirely replace all cleaning products, it has had a profound effect in reducing chemical use in my home (a good thing because I have a septic system) and has markedly improved overall cleanliness, particularly in the bathrooms.

If it works well for me, it certainly can work well in our industry. Going green has never been easier, and the more we know about these technologies, the greater the potential for overall food safety. As regulators, we need to embrace these technologies as soon as possible—regulations permitting. ♦

Forensic sanitarian Robert W. Powitz, Ph.D., MPH, RS, CFSP, is principal consultant and technical director of Old Saybrook, CT-based R.W. Powitz & Associates. Feedback or suggestions for topics you would like to see covered can be sent to him directly at Powitz@sanitarian.com or through his Web site at www.sanitarian.com.

©2010 The Target Group, Inc.   All rights reserved.

“It has replaced 98 percent of all cleaning products and because it lacks the chemicals most commercially produced cleaning solutions contain, the Electrolyzed Water is healthier for employees and guests. It is produced on site, so it saves shipping costs, eliminates pollution that would be produced by trucks delivering commercial cleaners, and means no empty cleaning containers end up in landfills.

Attached Video, shows you a System that manually generates Electrolyzed Water onsite.

Cleaner and Greener – Electrolyzed Water. (Click on link to start video)

Aquaox Systems are designed to automatically generate HOCL (sanitizer) and NAOH (cleaner) onsite. Aquaox Systems are remotely controlled and its onsite generated Electrolyzed Water may not only used to surface cleaning and sanitation, but may used to disinfect (drink)-water, disinfect waterlines, pools and spa’s. diluted with drinkwater, HOCL is used in foodcourts to sanitize vegetables, fruit and food contact surfaces. Onsite generated HOCL may also used to reduce aerosols and dust particles in HVAC-systems. Finally, NAOH and HOCL is used to significantly reduce laundry detergents.

For more information, visit http://www.aquaox.net.

M. van Schaik

Introduction

There is a lot of confusion whether Electrolyzed Water is allowed to be used as a disinfectant or sanitizer. EPA, FDA, USDA and local authorities have approved or allowed usage of Electrolyzed Water in many applications. Having said so, a few applications need more data about the efficacy of Electrolyzed Water and methods how disinfection or sanitation is guaranteed. Other applications may have a limitation on the HOCL concentration.  The following article explain what is and what is not allowed by the US Environment Protection Agency.

EPA Regulation with regard to Onsite PRODUCTION of pesticides with AQUAOX Devices

Under Section 3 of the Pesticide Regulations under the Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, as amended (FIFRA), the EPA regulates pesticides, which are registered and sold in interstate commerce to control various forms of vermin.

Under these regulations (Subpart Z –Devices Part 152.500  ‘Requirement for devices”) Pesticide Devices are not required to be registered, but must have an approved label which meet the Section 3 Regulations, Part 162.10, and have a registered establishment in which they are produced. Under Section 7 of the FIFRA each owner of a pesticide device must produce to the EPA enforcement program a report of products produced each and every year and to whom they are sold in a standard report form.

Devices which everyone has heard about are electrically generated, ozonators for use in treating drinking water, chlorinators which derive Free Available Chlorine from the electrolysis of water and sale, copper/silver cathodes which by electrically activity cause release of silver and cupper ions into drinking water in hotels and hospitals, invisible noise mechanisms which mediate insects and rodents in small areas.  In each case the device is unique and based upon the data which the device originator has in hand or can reference to EPA has a product which is efficacious and safe when used as directed.

Devices are subject to labelling and misbranding requirements under FIFRA section 2(p) and 2(q); registration and reporting requirements under FIFRA section 7; recording keeping requirements under FIFRA section 8; inspection requirements under FIFRA section 9; import and expert restrictions under FIFRA section 17; and child resistant packaging requirements imposed pursuant to FIFRA section 25 (c)(3).

AQUAOX devices hava an EPA establishment number and we report pursuant to Section 7 of the Act.  Basically our device, using electric current 230 volt, produces Hypochlorous Acid (HOCL) on demand on site, which kills bacteria, mold, mildew, viruses and surface filling algae.  The device uses sodium chloride (table salt) in a liquid format in water and an electric charge to generate on demand HOCL-solution. HOCL (200ppm Free Available Chlorine) does the killing of the life forms.  When the electric has been turned off the device produces no HOCL-solution and has no residual in it.  Our device meets all the Section 3 labelling requirements and we pay close attention to all the FIFRA requirements so as to be fully compliant No product is produced from our device for storage or later use per regulations.

Electrolyzed water is approved under 21 CFR 173.315 for direct contact with processed foods. Electrolyzed water is approved for several indirect food contract applications under 21 CFR 172.892, 21 CFR 175.105, 21 CFR 176.170 and 21 CFR 177.2800. It is an approved sanitizer that meets 21 CFR 178.1010. The EPA has also given approval (40 CFR 180.1054) for washing raw foods that are to be consumed without processing.

40 CFR 180.940. HOCL when used as ingredient in an antimicrobial pesticide formulation may be applied to: Food-contact surfaces in public eating places, dairy-processing equipment, and food-processing equipment and utensils. When ready for use, the end-use concentration of all Hypochlorous Acid chemicals in the solution is not to exceed 200 ppm determined as Free Available Chlorine

AQUAOX device does not require a hazardous use permit whereas chlorine in bottles must be permitted for filling, transportation or storage.

In case of doubt or for clarification AQUAOX LLC should be consulted. We are unable to anticipate all conditions under which the product may be used, and users are advised to carry out an assessment of workplace risk and carry out their own tests to determine Safety and Suitability for the process and conditions of use.

EPA regulation with regard to the USAGE and STORAGE of Neutral Electrolyzed Water generated on-site from an AQUAOX device

Under the FIFRA, EPA does not regulate water or sodium chloride (table salt) as a pesticide when used in an AQUAOX device that generates a pesticidal solution (HOCL).

The 0.2% HOCL-solution generated by the AQUAOX device is not regulated by the EPA as a pesticide as long as the solution itself is used on-site (i.e. where it is generated). If however, the solution is packaged, distributed or sold for use other than the site at which it was generated, then the product is subject to registration as a pesticide under FIFRA.

Accordingly, applying the solution on-site in e.g. 1 gallon containers would not be subject to registration, but distributing and selling the product for use other than at the site of generation would be subject to registration. Finally, the AQUAOX Device is considered to be a pesticide device and is subject to the requirements specified in 40 CFR 152.500.

As long as the HOCL-solution is applied on-site, no EPA requirements under FIFRA apply other than those specified above. EPA recommends, however, that the operator of pesticide devices provide labels for plastic containers with HOCL-solutions, so that workers and others will know what is in the containers and what precautions and directions should be followed handling and using the solution.

Thus, temporary storage of the HOCL-solution is allowed, as long as HOCL-solution is used on-site.

Finally, the operator of the AQUAOX device should check as to state and local regulatory requirements that may apply to the AQUAOX device and the generated solution.

EPA regulation with regard to TRANSPORT of Neutral Electrolyzed Water generated on-site from an AQUAOX device.

Under FIFRA, EPA does not provide a clear rule and this need to be further investigated. Most probably EPA will NOT permit transport as onsite produced HOCL-solutions are strictly intended to be used on-site.

AQUAOX’ interpretation of the FIFRA is that transport of HOCL-solution within the on-site location is permitted, as long as HOCL-solution is used on-site.  Thus, transport of HOCL-solution in e.g. 1 gallon container to another department, building or place within the operator’s organization, company and/or location is permitted, as long HOCL-solution is used within the operator’s organization, company and/or location.

Accordingly, storage in trucks should be permitted, as long HOCL is used within the operator’s organization, company and/or location. In AQUAOX’ opinion Onsite generated HOCL is permitted to be transported over the public road to another location to be used within the operator’s organization, company and/or location is. However, FIFRA is very unclear about this particularly kind of transport. Likewise the EPA, AQUAOX recommends to provide labels and a MSDS of HOCL on all containers or trucks filled with HOCL.

On top of this AQUAOX advices to have a FUNCTIONAL and WORKING AQUAOX device on each truck, to be used for onsite generation of HOCL, if a user is going to transport HOCL to a client for executing a service such as e.g. fogging a premises or spraying a surface.

EPA regulation on on-site generated pesticides BOTTLED, PACKAGED, STORAGED and DISTRIBUTED (SOLD).

If the onsite produced HOCL is bottled, packaged, stored, distributed and sold, the HOCL-solution is subject to registration as a pesticide. Thus, if HOCL is bottled, packed and sold as a liquid, the user of AQUAOX’ Device MUST register HOCL as a pesticide to obtain a registration number for HOCL.

The registration of the onsite generated HOCL MUST be in the operator’s name and the operator will be exclusively responsible for the produced pesticide.

Footnotes:

AQUAOX is NOT involved in bottling, packaging and distributing pesticides. AQUAOX manufactures, distribute and sell AQUAOX devices which are regulated by the EPA as onsite pesticide devices.

AQUAOX does not permit their distributors to register HOCL (onsite generated pesticide) as a pesticide.

AQUAOX does not advocate, nor promote users (owners/ final users of the AQUAOX Device) to register HOCL as pesticide. AQUAOX rejects all liability, if users do not comply with the FIFRA regulations for onsite pesticide devices. AQUAOX does not advocate or promote the usage of HOCL otherwise than used onsite.

For more information, visit www.aquaox.net

Attached is a brief list of cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting applications for these onsite produced liquids.  The list also include the recommended dosage and method of usage based on proven science.

Aquaox will provide additional information about the AQUAOX System, its usage within a facility, cleaning and antimicrobial liquids, and all technical information regarding the AQUAOX System.  This document will provide a good overview of the variety of applications in our simple automated AQUAOX System, which provides cost saving benefits with reduced toxic exposure to chemicals for your employees.

Neutral Electrolyzed Water (NEW) also known as Anolyte is an activated aqueous solution of sodium chloride produced by passing a weak saline solution through an electrolytic cell and temporarily changing the properties of the salt water into a powerful oxidizing agent exhibiting antimicrobial properties.

Neutral Electrolyzed Water (NEW) is produced near neutral 6.5 pH where the predominant antimicrobial agent is Hypochlorous Acid, the most efficient and efficacious specie of chlorine. Hypochlorous Acid kills microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, algae, spores, staff infections/MRSA and viruses).

The properties of NEW can be precisely controlled within the AQUAOX System. NEW can be applied as liquid, mist/fog or spray. NEW is a colorless, aqueous solution with a slight chlorine or ozone odor. NEW is produced on site and intended to be used soon after being produced. NEW must be used within 30 days of production.

NEW is convenient, used for general disinfecting, for use on nursery surfaces, bathroom surfaces,  athletic facilities, equipment and ideally for hospital use. NEW will not harm hard non-porous surfaces including titanium-coated medical grade stainless steel.

NEW can be used neat or diluted with drinking water to reduce the free available chlorine. Hereafter are various applications described with instructions for usage. The NEW applications are color-coded with the same color as the designated faucet to be opened to receive NEW of a required strength.

Alkaline Water (AW) also known as Catholyte consist of Sodium Hydroxide (NAOH), commonly known as caustic soda, lye, or sodium hydrate. Sodium Hydroxide is a caustic compound which attacks organic matter. Caustic soda is available commercially in various white solid forms and as solutions of various concentrations in water.

Sodium hydroxide provides functions of neutralization of acids, hydrolysis, condensation and replacement of other groups in organic compounds of hydroxyl ions. Sodium Hydroxide removes waxes and oils from fiber to make the fiber more receptive to washing, bleaching and dying. Sodium hydroxide is also widely used in making soaps and detergents. Sodium hydroxide is occasionally used in the home as an agent for unblocking drains. The chemical mechanism employed is the conversion of grease to a form of soap, in doing so forming a water soluble solution to be dissolved by flushing; also decomposing complex molecules such as the proteins of hair. Sodium hydroxide is frequently used as an industrial cleaning agent where it is often called “caustic”. It is added to water, heated, and then used to clean the process equipment, storage tanks, etc. It can dissolve grease, oils, fats and protein based deposits. The sodium hydroxide solution can also be added to surfactants. A sodium hydroxide soak solution is used as a powerful degreaser on stainless and glass bake ware. It is also a common ingredient in oven cleaners.

Alkaline Water (AW) is a less concentrated than commercial available Sodium Hydroxide solutions and has the same applications, although its dosage is different. AW is a mild detergent and degreaser which is very useful for cleaning surfaces prior to sanitizing or disinfecting.

General sanitation and disinfecting:

Sanitation and disinfecting in Food processing and Service Establishments.

Washing food to be consumed:

General cleaning:

Sanitation and disinfecting for swimming pools, spas and hot tubs. The following NEW applications are executed by automatic dosing of NEW into circulation water

Disinfecting of drinking water to be consumed by human beings. The following NEW application is executed by automatic dosing of NEW into water mains.

Cleaning

Cleaning is a prerequisite for effective sanitation. Cleaning is the removal of organic matter, using appropriate detergent chemicals under recommended conditions. Organic matter from food residues such as oils, grease and protein not only harbors bacteria but can actually prevent sanitizers from coming into physical contact with the surface to be sanitized. In addition, the presence of organic matter can inactivate or reduce the effectiveness of some types of sanitizers, making sanitization ineffective.

In order for cleaning to be performed properly, the right cleaning agents must be selected for the job. Cleaning agents commonly used include the following:

• Detergents contain surfactants to reduce surface tension between food soil and the surface so the detergent can penetrate quickly and lift off the soil from the surface.

• Solvent cleaners contain a grease-dissolving agent that can be used in areas with burned-on grease.

• Acid cleaners are used on mineral deposits that alkaline detergents cannot remove.

• Abrasive cleaners are used to remove heavy accumulations of soil often found in small areas. The abrasive action is provided by small mineral or metal particles, such as fine steel wool, copper or even nylon.

Sanitizing

Sanitization follows cleaning. Sanitization is the application of heat or chemicals to a properly cleaned (and thoroughly rinsed) food-contact surface, yielding a 99.999% reduction of representative pathogenic microorganisms of public health importance. Sanitization is not sterilization. Sterilization is the process of destroying all living microorganisms, not just pathogens. Other terms (and their definitions) that are sometimes confused with sanitization and that should be noted are the following:

• Antiseptic—used against sepsis or putrefaction in humans or animals.

• Disinfectant/Germicide—applied to inanimate objects to destroy all vegetave cells, not spores.

• Bactericide—kills a specific group of microorganisms.

• Bactericidal—prevents the growth of a specific group of microorganisms but does not necessarily kill them.

The two sanitation methods commonly used in retail/food service establishments are heat and chemicals. Their application standards, as defined in the 2009 Food Code, are as follows:

• Heat. In dish-machines, the temperature of the fresh hot-water sanitizing rinse as it enters the manifold cannot be more than 194 °F (90 °C), less than 165 °F (74 °C) in a stationary rack, single-temperature machine or less than 180 °F (82 °C) in all other high-temperature dish-machines. In three-compartment sinks, the water temperature must be at least 171 °F (77 °C).

• Chemicals. Chemicals approved as sanitizers for food-contact surfaces in retail/foodservice establishments are chlorine, iodine and quaternary ammonium.

Factors that influence the efficacy of chemical sanitizers include the following:

• Concentration. Too little will result in an inadequate reduction of microorganisms; too much can be toxic, corrosive to equipment and can lead to less cleanability over time.

• Temperature. Sanitizers generally work best between 55 °F (13 °C) and 120 °F (49 °C).

• Contact time. To kill microorganisms, cleaned items must be in contact with the sanitizer for the manufacturer-recommended time.

• The presence and nature of the organic and/or inorganic in-activators on the surface. Some of these are present in detergent residue or soil from an improperly cleaned surface and might react with sanitizers. Thus, it is important to properly clean and rinse prior to sanitization.

• The nature of the material surface. Sanitizers react differently with plastic, glass, metal and wood.

• The surface area, topography and geometry of the surface. A rough surface will be more difficult to sanitize than will a smooth surface.

• The nature and species of any residual microorganisms on the surface. Microbial load can affect sanitizer
activity.

• Type of microorganisms present. Spores are more resistant than vegetative cells. Gram-positive bacteria are known to respond differently from Gram-negative bacteria when exposed to sanitizers. Sanitizers also vary in their effectiveness against yeasts, molds, fungi and viruses.

Also, testing devices must be used to measure the concentration of chemical sanitizing solutions because the use of chemical sanitizers requires minimum concentrations of the sanitizer during the final rinse step to ensure sanitization and too much sanitizer in the final rinse water could be toxic. To accurately test the strength of a sanitizing solution, one must first determine which chemical is being used—chlorine, iodine or quaternary ammonium. The appropriate test kit must then be used to measure concentration.

Chemical sanitizers are registered for use on food-contact surfaces through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Prior to approval and registration, the EPA reviews efficacy and safety data as well as product labeling information. At present, the effectiveness of chemical sanitizers used in retail/food-service establishments is determined using one of two methods: the AOAC Germicidal and Detergent Sanitizers Method against Escherichia coli ATCC 11229 for quaternary ammonium compounds, chlorinated trisodium phosphate and anionic detergent-acid formulations or  the AOAC Available Chlorine Germicidal Equivalent Concentration Test against Salmonella typhi ATCC 6539 for iodophors, mixed halides and chlorine-bearing chemicals. The FDA is involved in evaluating residues from sanitizer use that might enter the food supply. Thus, a sanitizing agent and its maximum usage level for direct use on food-contact surfaces must be approved by the FDA.

Public concern about the environmental impact of chemicals has lead to the development of other sanitization methods that have potential for use in retail/foodservice establishments.

• Ozone. The ozone molecule (O3) is an antibacterial agent that is very effective at oxidizing and destroying organic and other compounds on equipment and surfaces. As of June 2001, ozone was approved by the FDA as an additive to kill foodborne pathogens. Because it is a gas, ozone leaves no toxic residues on treated surfaces. However, it could be corrosive to various surfaces at high concentrations, and care must be exercised during its generation because overexposure can result in bodily injury.

• Peracetic acid (PAA). An organic acid, PAA is produced by the reaction of acetic acid with hydrogen peroxide. In the retail/foodservice industry, it is being promoted as a potential chlorine replacement that can be used at a concentration of 150 to 200 ppm on food-contact surfaces. At this concentration, it is capable of killing microorganisms in addition to removing deposits of milk stone and hard-water scales, suppressing odors and stripping biofilms from food-contact surfaces. PAA is not very effective against bacterial spores, and it may be more expensive when compared with other sanitizers.

• Electrolyzed water. Electrolyzed water is a good sanitization method** because it has antimicrobial properties, is not corrosive to skin, mucous membranes or organic material, is safe to handle and has little adverse effect on the environment. Electrolyzed water shows effectiveness against a wide range of microorganisms. It can be produced easily using common salt and an apparatus connected to a power source. Because the size of the machine is quite small, electrolyzed water can be manufactured on site. Although its cost is low, electrolyzed water can be corrosive to certain metal surfaces***.

While heat and chemicals are currently the most commonly used sanitization methods, other new methods—such as ozone, PAA and electrolyzed water—show great promise for use in the retail/foodservice environment. The bottom line is “Don’t compromise—clean and sanitize.”

** No reference is made to the fact that when Neutral Electrolyzed Water is produced onsite, simultaniously Alkaline Water is produced. Alkaline Water has a pH of 11.5 to 12.5 and it’s active ingredient NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide) is a very powerfull cleaner and degreaser. Aquaox Systems produce approximately 20% NaOH and approximately 80% HOCL measured in volume.

*** Neutral Electrolyzed Water with it’s active ingredient HOCL (Hypochlorous Acid) has a pH of 6.2. to 6.8 and is therefore not corrosive. Neutral Electrolyzed Water is produced onsite by stand-alone fully automated remotely controlled Aquaox Systems. For more information on Aquaox Systems, visit http://www.aquaox.net/Systems.html

a. FOOD PLANTS

In large food processing plants, daily clean-up necessitates sanitation of all food contact surfaces. Measured quantities of sanitizer are generally transferred from the drum into a large (500 to 1000 liters) dedicated tote, using a calibrated metering pump. The required volume of water is then added to a predetermined level to make up the end-use solution. The amount of sanitizer which the pump is capable of delivering is based on the volume displaced by each stroke of the pump and the time period that the pump is in actual operation. The volume of each stroke can be adjusted and fine tuned rendering the system capable of dosing accurate and consistent concentrations of sanitizer. More sophisticated equipment (and more expensive) use wall mounted pumps which are electronically connected to water flow meters. As water flows into the dispensing tote, it triggers the pump to operate on an intermittent basis to deliver calibrated quantities of sanitizer, with each transfer to the tote of a predetermined volume of water. This intermittent cycle of dosing provides for a more uniform mixing of sanitizer with water. To insure complete dispersion of sanitizer in solution, large storage tanks also have auxiliary pumps and the capability of recirculating the solution for several minutes.

Since effective sanitization in food processing plants is a crucial step in the over all clean up procedure, the crew leader will usually sample the diluted sanitizer solution using either a test kit or test paper. Once adjustments and verifications, if required are made, the sanitizer solution is applied under low pressure onto the food contact surfaces and the excess is allowed to freely run off. Low pressure applications are preferable since they reduce the risk of generating airborne mists which can cause dislodge bacteria to become airborne and transported over great distances. Following sanitization, a potable water rinse is not required nor is it recommended. Flat horizontal or vertical surfaces can either be air dried or allowed to remain wet. The later method is the preferable one and used more frequently. Leaving the surface wet prevents airborne bacteria which may settle on food processing equipment and tables from surviving therefore decreases the risk of contamination.At start-up of operations during the following shift, the remaining residual sanitizer can be rinsed off prior to handling food products. This is not a mandatory or regulatory requirement since sanitizers used in food processing plants also have clearance for incidental food contact at the concentrations used.

b. SUPERMARKET PROGRAM
The areas within a Supermarket deli, meat and bakery sections are relatively small and the equipment requirements for clean up and sanitation can be carried out with simple equipment. Blades, knives, saws, scrapers, and other small utensils are disassembled from the food cutting or processing equipment and placed into a three compartment sink. First, they are allowed to soak in a detergent solution which is dispensed into the sink through a wall mounted plunger type of hand pump. The components are then rinsed with water in the middle sink and sanitized by immersion into the third, sanitizer-containing compartment. Sanitizer is dispensed into the third sink compartment in a manner similar to that used to dispense detergent.
The stationary portion of the equipment as well as the cutting tables are first cleaned with a high foaming detergent then sanitized with a low level disinfectant such as a quat. The equipment used in this type of operation is usually a commercial version of a garden hose sprayer and using city water pressure as a means of delivering product to the affected surfaces. Water flowing through the hose also creates a partial vacuum within the garden sprayer resulting in sanitizer solution being drawn up and mixing with the water stream as it flows past the garden sprayer’s orifice. Commercial units designed for sanitizer application are accurately calibrated by the manufacturer to dispense a 0.2% solution, which is equivalent to 200 ppm quat (10% active) or 200 ppm available chlorine (10% sodium hypochlorite).
Small, pressurized portable tanks into which a prediluted sanitizer solution has been added also finds use in this application, especially in enclosed areas where sanitizer has to be applied to surfaces that are not readily accessible. Such a system makes use of the pressurized contents to direct a stream of sanitizer over a larger distance than would be possible with a garden sprayer using city water pressure.

c. HOSPITALS AND NURSING HOMES
Large hospitals and nursing homes usually dispense use-solution from stationary, central units; each one located on a separate floor. Frequently these units operate by mechanical action alone and dispense product using the principles encountered above; suction of product as a result of an internal vacuum which is created through the flow of water past an orifice. A typical installation is wall mounted with a single hose connected to the city water input line, and contains from 1 to 5 separate dedicated hoses capable of dispensing several products. Adjusting the orifice diameter at the end of each dispensing hose, results in dilutions varying from 1:256 to 1:20.
To maintain control in small hospitals and nursing homes, 1 to 2 gallon of end use solutions are prepared and then transferred into smaller, trigger sprayer type dispensers which can easily be used by the house keeping staff. Critical areas, such as operating rooms which require high level sanitation, use specialized computer assisted dosing and rinsing equipment.

d. RESTAURANTS
Aside from the routine clean up and sanitization of food contact surfaces and food preparation utensils, the bulk of the cleaning and sanitization in restaurants is in mechanical ware washing. In small restaurants, the dish washing product is usually a powder manually fed into the machine and also provides a source of available chlorine for sanitization. Sufficient product, whether or not needed for the soils encountered must be used in order to provide a residual available chlorine level of 100-200 ppm; a level which is required under most municipal health codes.
In restaurants serving a large number of meals daily, it becomes more economical to meter product into the ware washing equipment via rotary pumps which accurately dispense the quantity of chemical required. The larger ware washing units are equipped with a 3 head rotary pump dispensing unit and each pump is calibrated according to the amount of chemical dispensed per rotation of the pump and the number of rotations per minute. Once properly adjusted, detergent, rinse aid and sanitizer can be accurately dosed at the different required concentrations.

ONSITE PRODUCTION OF CLEANING AND SANITIZERS

AQUAOX Systems produce onsite cleaning and antimicrobial liquids. Through ancillary equipment, these cleaning and antimicrobial liquids are automatically delivered throughout the facility. Users of the AQUAOX System, will receive these liquids by opening designated color-coded faucets installed throughout the facility.

These onsite produced cleaners (NaOH) and sanitizers (HOCL) are capable to replace or significantly reduce the usage of  chemical cleaners and sanitizers resulting in cost-savings and less health risks for the cleaning crew.

In my next blog, I will provide a a brief list of cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting applications for these onsite produced liquids.  The list also include the recommended dosage and method of usage based on proven science.

For more information, please contact aquaox@comcast.net

a. CELL MEMBRANE DESTRUCTION
Germicides such as sodium hypochlorite of peroxyacetic acid (PAA), are strong oxidizing agents and can cause total destruction of the cells membrane, resulting in vital bacterial components leaking out into their surrounding environment. This process results in a true microbial death.

b. INHIBITION OF FOOD UPTAKE AND WASTE EXCRETION
Some germicides, such as the quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), have the capacity to attach themselves onto specific sites on the bacterial cell membrane. They do this by virtue of the fact that the quats carry a positive electrical charge in solution and are attracted to the negatively charged portions of the bacterial membrane. The end result is that quats block the uptake of nutrients into the cell and prevent the excretion of waste products which accumulate within their structure.
In effect, the cell is both starved and internally poisoned from the accumulated wastes.

c. INACTIVATION OF CRITICAL ENZYMES
Biocides, such as phenolics, which exert their activity in this manner actually enter the cell and chemically react with certain key enzymes which support either cell growth or metabolic activities which supplies the bacteria with the energy needed for growth and multiplication. If inactivation is incomplete the injured bacteria can regenerate several hours later and recontaminate the surface.

ELECTROLYZED WATER: METHOD OF ACTION



Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl, which is electrically neutral) and Hypochlorite Ions (OCl^-, electrically negative) will form Free Available Chlorine  (FAC) when bound together. This results in disinfection. Both substances have very distinctive behavior.

The cell wall of pathogenic microorganisms is negatively charged by nature. As such, the negatively charged Hypochlorite Ion (OCL-) can only penetrate it by the neutral Hypochlorous Acid (HOCL), rather than.

HOCL itself can penetrate slime layers, cell walls and protective layers of microorganisms and effectively kills pathogens as a result. With the aid of ORP-reaction, HOCL can even easier penetrate cell membranes. The microorganisms will either die or suffer from reproductive failures.

According to Dr. Cloete, the advantages of onsite generated HOCL has been confirmed, wherein the biocidal activity of HOCL generated onsite, is 300 times more active than Sodium Hypochlorite at the same concentration of free available chlorine. Additionally, a concentration of 2% HOCL achieved same results than 0,05% Gluterhaldehyde. Similarly, it has been shown that a 5% solution of Sodium Hypochlorite (only to be used as disinfectant) has equal results than 0.03% HOCL (which can be used as disinfectant and as sporicidal agent).

Thus, Electrolyzed Water (HOCL-Solutions) have been conclusively shown to exceed chemically derived equivalents both in low dosage effectiveness as well as physico-chemical purity.

Michel van Schaik, http://www.aquaox.net