HOCL an alternative to Chlorine for decontamination?

• Hypochlorous (HOCL) & Electrochemically Activated Water (ECA)

  Electrolysed water (ECA) is produced through the electrolysis of a saline solution, generating hypochlorous (HOCL) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) which is HOCL Health’s solution. HOCL is known for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, making it highly effective against a range of pathogens. HOCL Health’s electrolysed water can be generated on-site, ensuring a fresh, potent all-in-one decontamination solution that includes a disinfectant and cleaning capability.

•  Chlorine Chemicals (Chlorine dioxide, Sodium Hypochlorite)

  Traditional chlorine-based disinfectants, including chlorine dioxide (ClO2) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), are widely used due to their strong disinfecting capabilities. However, they require careful handling and pose significant health and environmental risks.

• HOCL: Electrochemically activated solutions, containing hypochlorous, is effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. HOCL is especially potent at low concentrations due to its ability to penetrate microbial cell walls effectively. The pH of HOCL can be adjusted to optimize its antimicrobial activity.
• Chlorine Disinfectants: Traditional chlorine is effective against many pathogens, but its efficacy can be influenced by factors such as pH, temperature, and the presence of organic matter.

• HOCL is safer for human contact and the environment compared to traditional chlorine. HOCL is non-toxic, non-irritating, and does not produce harmful by-products. On-site generation of HOCL reduces risks associated with storing and transporting hazardous chemicals.
• Chlorine can cause respiratory irritation, coughing and severe lung damage if inhaled. Chlorine degrades relatively quickly in the environment and forms chlorite and chloride ions, however these by-products also they may be less harmful requires careful managment.

• HOCL’s on-site production offers cost advantages by eliminating the need for purchasing, storing, and transporting traditional disinfectants. This approach ensures a continuous supply of fresh disinfectant, maintaining its effectiveness over time.
• While chlorine is readily available and relatively inexpensive, the costs associated with its safe handling, storage, and potential environmental remediation can be significant. Additionally, chlorine solutions degrade over time, which can reduce their effectiveness.

 Contribution to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

• The rapid and non-specific action of HOCl in the Electrochemically activated process reduces the likelihood of contributing to antimicrobial resistance. Mainly due to its ph neutral charge, it carries a completely different charge than pathogens because HOCL has a neutral charge compared to pathogens who have a negative charge. So it means that having any resistance would be very unusual, as they get attracted to each other having opposing charge and HOCL breaks down the pathogen cell very fast.
• Chlorine Disinfectants: The extensive use of chlorine has raised concerns about its role in antimicrobial resistance. Chlorine-resistant bacterial strains have been documented, particularly in environments with frequent chlorine use, such as water treatment facilities. This is due to its charge being same the negative charge as pathogens causing them to over time have resistance and the only way of negotiating this is to up the strength, but as seen in a number of hospitals, this causing more trouble, due to estates being damaged and further issues of resistance forming with higher concentrations.

Pathogen Effectiveness

• Bacteria: HOCL is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including common hospital pathogens like Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. HOCL disrupts bacterial cell walls effectively, even at low concentrations. Chlorine Disinfectants are ffective against most bacteria, though some strains, such as Mycobacterium, can exhibit resistance, particularly with lower concentrations.
• Viruses: Chlorine disinfectants are effective against many viruses, though some efficacy can be compromised by organic matter, which may protect viruses from disinfection. HOCL demonstrates stronger antiviral properties against both enveloped viruses (e.g. influenza, coronvirus) and non-enveloped viruses (e.g. norovirus).
• Fungi: HOCL is effective against various fungi, including Candida species, making it useful in environments prone to fungal contamination. Chlorine Disinfectants generally are effective against many fungi but often requires higher concentrations or longer contact times to achieve full disinfection.
• Spores: Chlorine is moderately effective against bacterial spores, but higher concentrations and longer contact times are often necessary to achieve significant spore inactivation. Chlorine bleach, in particular, is used in higher concentrations for spore decontamination due to its strong oxidative properties. However, concerns about residue and environmental impact remain. HOCL is highly effective against bacterial spores, including Clostridium difficile, even at concentrations as low as 200 ppm. Despite the inherent resistance of spores to disinfectants, HOCL demonstrates significant spore decontamination capabilities. Its efficacy in reducing spore viability makes it a powerful agent for spore control.

(HOCl), provides significant benefits over traditional chlorine disinfectants, especially regarding safety, environmental impact, and broad-spectrum pathogen efficacy. HOCL is a superior choice for most disinfection needs, particularly in hospital settings where safety and efficacy are critical. By implementing well-designed disinfection protocols and ensuring proper use through training and monitoring, hospitals can significantly reduce infection rates and enhance overall health outcomes.

So what are the recommendations for Hospital Implementation?

Hospitals should install HOCL systems which through electrochemically activation generates hypochlorous and sodium hydroxide to generate disinfectant and cleaning solution on-site. This ensures a consistent and fresh supply of decontamination solutions, reducing reliance on hazardous chemical storage and enhancing safety.

HOCL is advantageous for its high efficacy and safety profile, making it suitable for frequent use in sensitive areas like operating rooms and patient care areas. Hospitals should implement protocols incorporating HOCL for decontaminating surfaces, hand hygiene, and equipment sterilization. Regular monitoring and adjustment of disinfectant concentration and pH are essential for optimal performance. This can all be done with the training that HOCL provides when looking to install to ensure effective application, minimize waste, and appoint HOCL Champions within the team to ensure increased morale and the love for keeping their hospitals clean.

Summary

HOCL represents advanced and effective decontamination solutions that offer a safer, more sustainable approach to infection control compared to traditional chlorine. Their adoption in healthcare environments is recommended to achieve higher standards of sanitation and improve patient safety.