HOCL®, or Hypochlorous Acid, or ECA ( electrochemically activated water as it is sometimes called) is a weak acid that occurs naturally in our bodies. White blood cells in our bodies produce hypochlorous acid to fight off bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. It's a powerful oxidant that is effective against invading bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

HOCL® is also used in various industries due to its disinfecting properties. It's used in healthcare, food safety, water treatment, and general sanitation. In healthcare, it's used for a wide variety of solutions ranging from general cleaning and disinfecting, cleaning wounds and preventing infections. In food safety, it's used for sanitizing food contact surfaces and equipment. In water treatment, it's used to purify water and make it safe for drinking.

Despite its strong disinfecting properties, up to 100 x more powerful than bleach, hypochlorous acid is safe to use and environmentally friendly. It breaks down quickly and leaves no harmful residues. It's non-toxic, non-irritant and hypoallergenic, making it safe for use around humans and animals.

HOCL®, also known as hypochlorous acid, is a weak acid that is formed when chlorine dissolves in water. It is an incredibly effective disinfectant and sanitizer due to its unique properties and chemical behaviour.

HOCL® works by disrupting the vital functions of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, leading to their destruction. It is highly effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA and viruses like norovirus.

Here's how HOCL® exerts its antimicrobial effects:

1. Oxidation: HOCL® is a powerful oxidizing agent. It readily donates electrons to the cellular components of microorganisms, including proteins, lipids, and DNA. This oxidation process damages the microbial cells, leading to their inactivation or destruction.

2. Disruption of cell membranes: HOCL® can penetrate the cell walls and membranes of microorganisms. Once inside, it reacts with and damages essential molecules, disrupting the integrity of the cell membrane. This disruption causes the leakage of vital cellular components, ultimately leading to cell death.

3. Protein denaturation: HOCL® reacts with the proteins present in microorganisms. This reaction disrupts the protein structure, causing denaturation. Denatured proteins lose their functional shape and become non-functional, impairing the microorganism's ability to carry out essential biological processes.

4. DNA damage: HOCL® can react with the genetic material of microorganisms, such as DNA and RNA. This chemical reaction leads to the fragmentation and cross-linking of nucleic acids, interfering with their replication and transcription processes. As a result, the microorganism's ability to reproduce and spread is severely compromised.

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) works as an effective disinfectant due to its unique chemical properties and interaction with microorganisms. Here's how it works: 1. Chemical Structure: HOCl is a weak acid that forms when chlorine gas dissolves in water. It exists in equilibrium with its conjugate base, the hypochlorite ion (OCl-). The balance between these two forms depends on factors such as pH. 2. Microbial Interaction: When HOCl comes into contact with microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi, it penetrates their cell walls. 3. Cellular Damage: Inside the microbial cell, HOCl reacts with various cellular components,

including proteins and enzymes. This disrupts their structure and function, leading to cell damage and death. 4. Oxidation: HOCl is a powerful oxidizing agent. It releases oxygen radicals that attack molecules within the microorganism, breaking down their essential components and inhibiting their ability to replicate and cause infection. 5. Broad-Spectrum Activity: HOCl is effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria and enveloped viruses like SARS-CoV-2 (which causes COVID-19). This broad-spectrum activity contributes to its effectiveness as a disinfectant. 6. Short Contact Time: HOCl has a relatively fast killing rate. It can neutralize microorganisms within a short contact time, making it practical for use in various applications. 7. pH Dependence: The effectiveness of HOCl depends on the pH of the solution. It is most potent at a slightly acidic to neutral pH. At higher pH levels, the equilibrium shifts towards the less effective hypochlorite ion (OCl-). 8. Reduced Resistance: Microorganisms are less likely to develop resistance to HOCl compared to some other disinfectants. This is partly because HOCl's mechanism of action targets multiple cellular components simultaneously. 9. Safe for Humans: While HOCl is effective at killing microorganisms, it is generally safe for humans and animals at appropriate concentrations. This is because our immune system naturally produces HOCl to fight infections. The combination of HOCl's oxidizing power, broad-spectrum activity, and rapid microbial cell damage makes it a highly effective disinfectant. Its ability to target and neutralize pathogens quickly and efficiently has contributed to its use in various industries, from healthcare and food production to water treatment and cleaning.

HOCL®'s effectiveness can be attributed to several factors:

1. Broad spectrum of activity: HOCL® is highly effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It can eliminate both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, and various types of fungi and yeasts.

2. Rapid action: HOCL® acts quickly against microorganisms, often within seconds or minutes. Its fast-acting nature makes it ideal for disinfection purposes, as it can rapidly reduce the microbial load on surfaces or in water.

3. Selective toxicity: While HOCL® is potent against microorganisms, it exhibits lower toxicity towards humans and animals. This selectivity is due to the differences in the molecular composition and structures of microbial cells compared to human cells. Human cells have protective mechanisms to minimize the harmful effects of HOCL®, making it safe for use in controlled concentrations.

4. Environmental compatibility: Unlike many other disinfectants, HOCL® is environmentally friendly. It decomposes into harmless components, primarily water and salt, after completing its antimicrobial activity. This characteristic makes it a sustainable choice for various applications.

It's important to note that not all Hypochlorous acids are equal. The effectiveness of HOCL® can vary depending on various factors such as concentration, pH, parts per million (ppm) contact time, and the specific microorganism being targeted. Optimal conditions must be considered to ensure maximum efficacy. What makes HOCL®® the brand of hypochlorous is the way it is produced.

HOCL® can be produced using a split membrane system with a low salt solution. This system is commonly known as an electrolysis cell or electrolytic generator. The process involves the electrolysis of a saltwater solution, typically sodium chloride (NaCl) or table salt dissolved in water.

Until recently, HOCL® was not widely known or available as a stable solution with a long shelf life. The instability of HOCL® presented challenges in its commercialization and distribution as a ready-to-use product. Here's an explanation of why you may not have heard about HOCL® before:

1. Shelf life limitations: HOCL® is inherently unstable and can degrade over time, especially when exposed to light, heat, or certain materials. This instability made it challenging to manufacture and distribute HOCL® as a stable solution that could retain its effectiveness over an extended period. As a result, it was primarily used in industrial settings or generated on-site using specialized equipment.

2. Industrial and on-site generation: In the past, HOCL® was often produced on-site using electrolysis cells or generators. This method allowed for immediate use of the HOCL® solution, bypassing the shelf life limitations. However, it required specialized equipment and was not readily available for consumer use or in easily accessible bottle forms.

3. HOCL® Health Ltd have invested heavily in recent years to find a solution to stabilising hypochlorous acid and have now made significant advancements in stabilization technology: these advancements have significantly improved the shelf life of HOCL® solutions to at least 12 months which has revolutionised the opportunities where it can be used. These advancements involve developing formulations and packaging techniques that protect the HOCL® from degradation, ensuring its stability and efficacy over a more extended period. These stable HOCL® solutions can now be packaged in bottles or other containers, making them more accessible and widely available to consumers.

4. Increased awareness and marketing efforts: As HOCL® Health, the brand of hypochlorous, has developed solutions to stabilising this amazing product, it has become more commercially viable, with increased reach and appeal for many companies for various applications, such as disinfection and sanitation. This increased awareness, combined with the availability of HOCL® in bottle form, has contributed to its wider recognition and adoption.

In summary, the limited shelf life of HOCL® in the past prevented its widespread availability and commercialization as a stable solution. However, recent advancements in stabilization technology have overcome these challenges, making HOCL® widely available in a bottle form and increasing its visibility and usage in various industries and consumer applications.

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is often touted as being "100 times more effective than bleach". This statement is based on its ability to kill microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, more effectively than sodium hypochlorite (bleach) at equivalent concentrations. Here's why:

1.More Reactive: HOCl is a more reactive species than bleach. This means it can interact with and disrupt the structures of microorganisms more readily. It can oxidize the proteins in the cell walls of microorganisms, leading to their death.

2. Neutral pH: HOCl is most effective at a neutral pH, which is closer to the pH of most surfaces and human skin. This means it can be used more widely without causing damage. Bleach, on the other hand, is more alkaline and can cause damage to certain surfaces and is harmful to human skin.

3. Better Penetration: HOCl is uncharged, which allows it to penetrate the protective layers of microorganisms more effectively. Bleach, being a negatively charged ion, has a harder time penetrating these layers.

4. Safe for Humans: Unlike bleach, HOCl is non-toxic to humans and animals. It's actually produced by our white blood cells to fight off infections. This makes it a safer alternative for disinfection in a variety of settings.

5. Environmentally Friendly: HOCl breaks down into saline after use, making it environmentally friendly. Bleach, on the other hand, can produce harmful byproducts.

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) certainly presents an impressive profile as a disinfectant, boasting numerous advantages over traditional bleach. However, it's crucial to delve deeper and consider some of its limitations before jumping to conclusions.

While HOCl is indeed more reactive, effective at neutral pH, and capable of better penetration into microorganisms, it also has its drawbacks. One of the main challenges with HOCl is its stability. Unlike bleach, HOCl is susceptible to degradation, particularly when exposed to heat or sunlight, which can diminish its effectiveness over time.

Moreover, the production of HOCl outside the human body, while maintaining its stability and effectiveness, can be a complex process. This often necessitates specialized equipment and stringent control over production conditions, which can drive up costs. As a result, HOCl can be more expensive than conventional bleach.

Furthermore, the concentration of HOCl used can impact its effectiveness. Although it's more potent than bleach at the same concentration, it's typically used at lower concentrations. This means that, in some instances, larger quantities of HOCl may be required to achieve the same disinfection level as bleach.

Lastly, the quality and effectiveness of HOCl solutions can vary significantly depending on the production and storage methods. Therefore, it's essential to source these products from reliable and reputable suppliers who adhere to high-quality standards.

In summary, while HOCl has many promising attributes, it's important to weigh these against its limitations. As with any product, proper and safe usage is paramount.

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is considered sustainable and environmentally friendly for several reasons: 1. Biodegradability: HOCl readily breaks down into harmless components, primarily salt and water, through natural processes. This ensures that it does not accumulate in the environment or contribute to long-lasting pollution. 2. Low Environmental Impact: When used for cleaning or disinfection, HOCl does not leave behind harmful chemical residues that could harm aquatic life or soil quality. 3. Reduced Chemical Footprint: HOCl can often replace more environmentally harmful disinfectants and cleaning agents, reducing the overall use of chemicals that might have greater negative impacts on ecosystems. 4. Energy Efficiency: The production of HOCl can be achieved using relatively low energy input, especially when compared to the production of some other disinfectants. 5. Safe for Water Systems: HOCl does not disrupt the natural balance of aquatic ecosystems when it enters water bodies, as it breaks down rapidly without causing harmful effects on aquatic life. 6. Air Quality: Unlike some chemical disinfectants that can release harmful fumes, HOCl does not contribute to indoor air pollution, making it a safer and more pleasant option for indoor use. 7. Compatibility with Green Practices: HOCl aligns well with green and sustainable practices, making it suitable for eco-friendly initiatives in various industries, including healthcare, hospitality, and agriculture. 8. Reduced Packaging Waste: Since HOCl can often be generated on-site using water, salt, and electricity, it reduces the need for excessive packaging and transportation, further lowering its environmental impact.

9. Minimized Hazardous By products: The production and use of HOCl typically generate fewer hazardous byproducts compared to traditional chlorine-based disinfectants.

Overall, HOCl's natural properties and ability to break down into harmless substances contribute to its sustainability and environmental friendliness, making it a preferred choice for various applications where reducing ecological impact is a priority.

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) works as an effective disinfectant due to its unique chemical properties and interaction with microorganisms. Here's how it works: 1. Chemical Structure: HOCl is a weak acid that forms when chlorine gas dissolves in water. It exists in equilibrium with its conjugate base, the hypochlorite ion (OCl-). The balance between these two forms depends on factors such as pH. 2. Microbial Interaction: When HOCl comes into contact with microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi, it penetrates their cell walls. 3. Cellular Damage: Inside the microbial cell, HOCl reacts with various cellular components, including proteins and enzymes. This disrupts their structure and function, leading to cell damage and death. 4. Oxidation: HOCl is a powerful oxidizing agent. It releases oxygen radicals that attack molecules within the microorganism, breaking down their essential components and inhibiting their ability to replicate and cause infection. 5. Broad-Spectrum Activity: HOCl is effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria and enveloped viruses like SARS-CoV-2 (which causes COVID-19). This broad-spectrum activity contributes to its effectiveness as a disinfectant. 6. Short Contact Time: HOCl has a relatively fast killing rate. It can neutralize microorganisms within a short contact time, making it practical for use in various applications. 7. pH Dependence: The effectiveness of HOCl depends on the pH of the solution. It is most potent at a slightly acidic to neutral pH. At higher pH levels, the equilibrium shifts towards the less effective hypochlorite ion (OCl-). 8. Reduced Resistance: Microorganisms are less likely to develop resistance to HOCl compared to some other disinfectants. This is partly because HOCl's mechanism of action targets multiple cellular components simultaneously. 9. Safe for Humans: While HOCl is effective at killing microorganisms, it is generally safe for humans and animals at appropriate concentrations. This is because our immune system naturally produces HOCl to fight infections. The combination of HOCl's oxidizing power, broad-spectrum activity, and rapid microbial cell damage makes it a highly effective disinfectant. Its ability to target and neutralize pathogens quickly and efficiently has contributed to its use in various industries, from healthcare and food production to water treatment and cleaning.

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and aqueous ozone are both powerful oxidizing agents used for disinfection, but they have different chemical properties and mechanisms of action.

1. HOCl is a weak acid that is produced when chlorine is dissolved in water. It's also produced naturally by the human immune system to fight off infections.

2. HOCl works by oxidizing the proteins in the cell walls of microorganisms, which leads to their death. It's effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

3. HOCl is generally safe for humans and animals, and it breaks down into saline after use, making it environmentally friendly. However, it's less stable than some other disinfectants and can degrade over time, especially when exposed to sunlight or heat.

1. Aqueous ozone is ozone (O3) that has been dissolved in water. Ozone is a form of oxygen that has three atoms instead of the usual two.

2. Aqueous ozone works by oxidizing and breaking down the cell walls of microorganisms, leading to their death. It's also effective against a wide range of microorganisms.

3. Aqueous ozone is generally safe for humans and animals, and it breaks down into oxygen after use, making it environmentally friendly. However, in high concentrations, ozone can be harmful to the respiratory system if inhaled.

In summary, both HOCl and aqueous ozone are effective disinfectants with similar mechanisms of action. They're both generally safe for humans and animals and environmentally friendly. However, they have different chemical properties, and their effectiveness can depend on factors like concentration and contact time.

Yes, hypochlorous acid (HOCl) can both clean and disinfect, but it's important to understand the difference between these two processes.

Cleaning refers to the removal of visible dirt, debris, and organic material from surfaces. This is typically accomplished with soap or detergent and physical scrubbing. Cleaning does not necessarily kill germs, but it can help to reduce their numbers by physically removing them from the surface.

Disinfecting, on the other hand, refers to the use of chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. This doesn't necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.

HOCl is primarily a disinfectant. It's very effective at killing a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. However, it also has some cleaning properties. It can help to break down biofilm and other organic material, making it easier to remove these substances from surfaces.

That said, for heavily soiled surfaces, it's generally recommended to clean the surface first with a detergent or soap to remove the visible dirt and debris, and then use a disinfectant like HOCl to kill any remaining germs. This is because organic material can sometimes interfere with the effectiveness of disinfectants.

This is why the HOCL® mixed oxidant solution comes in; the catholyte side of the process produces Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye or caustic soda, which is indeed a powerful cleaner. It's particularly effective at breaking down fats, oils, and greases, which makes it a common ingredient in many industrial and household cleaning products, including oven cleaners and drain openers.

Here are a few reasons why sodium hydroxide is considered a good cleaner:

1. Saponification: Sodium hydroxide can react with fats and oils to produce soap, a process known as saponification. This soap can then be easily rinsed away with water.

2. Protein Denaturation: Sodium hydroxide can denature proteins, causing them to lose their structure and function. This makes it effective at removing protein-based stains.

3. Alkalinity: Sodium hydroxide is a strong base, which means it can neutralize acids. This can be useful in certain cleaning applications.

Yes, hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is generally considered safe for use on skin. In fact, it's a substance that's naturally produced by our white blood cells as part of our immune response to fight off infections.

HOCl is a weak acid and is non-toxic to humans and animals. It's often used in wound care and in certain types of dermatological treatments because of its antimicrobial properties. It's also used in some personal care products, such as certain types of skin cleansers and eye care products.

However, as with any substance, individual reactions can vary, and some people might experience skin irritation or other adverse reactions. It's always a good idea to test a small amount on a patch of skin first, especially if you have sensitive skin or known allergies.

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and hydrogen peroxide vapor (HPV) are both used as disinfectants, but they have different chemical properties and mechanisms of action.

1. HOCl is a weak acid that is produced when chlorine is dissolved in water. It's also produced naturally by the human immune system to fight off infections.

2. HOCl works by oxidizing the proteins in the cell walls of microorganisms, which leads to their death. It's effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

3. HOCl is generally safe for humans and animals, and it breaks down into saline after use, making it environmentally friendly. However, it's less stable than some other disinfectants and can degrade over time, especially when exposed to sunlight or heat.

Hydrogen Peroxide Vapor (HPV):

1. HPV is a potent form of hydrogen peroxide that has been vaporized. As a strong oxidizer, it can eliminate microorganisms by generating destructive free radicals that target membrane lipids, DNA, and other vital cellular components.

2. HPV is frequently employed in healthcare settings for thorough room decontamination. It has proven effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

3. However, the use of HPV requires stringent safety measures due to its potential hazards. In high concentrations, it can cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation. The application of HPV for room decontamination necessitates the area to be completely sealed off, including doors and air ducts, to prevent exposure to the surrounding environment and individuals. This is because the vapor can be harmful if inhaled or if it comes into contact with skin or eyes.

4. After use, HPV breaks down into water and oxygen, which are harmless to the environment. However, the safety precautions needed during its application and the potential risks associated with exposure underscore the importance of using HPV under strictly controlled conditions and only by trained professionals.

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) has been demonstrated to be highly effective in eliminating biofilms, which are structured communities of microorganisms, such as bacteria, encapsulated within a self-produced protective matrix. Biofilms are notoriously resistant to many disinfectants, making them a significant challenge in various settings, including healthcare and industrial environments.

HOCl's effectiveness against biofilms can be attributed to its unique properties and mechanism of action:

1. Oxidizing Agent: HOCl is a potent oxidizing agent. It works by oxidizing the proteins and DNA within the microbial cells, disrupting their structure and function, and ultimately leading to cell death.

2. Penetration Ability: One of the key challenges in eradicating biofilms is penetrating the protective matrix that the microorganisms produce. HOCl, due to its neutral charge and small molecular size, can effectively penetrate this matrix, reaching and killing the microorganisms within.

3. Broad-Spectrum Activity: HOCl has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. It's effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, many of which can be found within biofilms

4. Rapid Action: HOCl acts quickly, which is a crucial factor in biofilm control. The faster the biofilm is eradicated, the less chance it has to spread or cause damage.

Is HOCL safe to put down the drain?

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a weak acid commonly used in disinfection and sanitation processes. It's often used in water treatment facilities and can be found in some household cleaning products.

Generally speaking, HOCl can be safely disposed of down the drain in small quantities, as it will typically break down into water, oxygen, and common salt (sodium chloride). However, there are some considerations to keep in mind:

1. Concentration: If you're dealing with a solution of HOCl, it's generally safe to dispose of it down the drain. However, it's always a good idea to follow any specific guidelines provided by the manufacturer or local regulations. If you have a large quantity or are unsure, consulting with a professional or local waste disposal facility may be wise.2. Local Regulations: Always check with your local regulations regarding the disposal of chemicals. Some areas may have specific guidelines or restrictions on how to dispose of HOCl or other chemicals.

3. Environmental Impact: While HOCl is generally considered to be environmentally friendly, large quantities or frequent disposal might have unintended consequences.

4. Septic Systems: If your home is on a septic system, you should be extra cautious about what goes down the drain, as certain chemicals can disrupt the biological processes in the system.

Yes, Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is effective in killing Legionella bacteria. HOCl is a powerful oxidant that is known to inactivate a wide range of harmful microorganisms, including Legionella. It is often used in water treatment systems, including cooling towers and healthcare facility water systems, to control the growth of Legionella. However, the effectiveness of HOCl can be influenced by factors such as pH, temperature, and the presence of other organic materials in the water. Therefore, it's important to monitor and control these factors to ensure the effectiveness of disinfection.