Electrostatic disinfection appliances have been successfully employed to combat annual outbreaks of the common cold, influenza, and norovirus, but how do they stand up against SARS-CoV-2?
Combatting COVID-19 With Electrostatic Disinfection Appliances
SARS-CoV-2 can spread in several ways, including:
- Through direct contact with a contaminated surface or person, which is then spread to the mouth, nose, ears, or eyes.
- Inhalation of aerosolized particles that are spread along air currents in poorly ventilated buildings, and;
- Ingestion or inhalation of sputum-covered particles expelled within approximately one meter (typically) of a contaminated person when they cough or sneeze.
The most common method of transmission is currently believed to be either via ingestion or inhalation of contaminated sputum, hence the masks and social distancing.
However, increasing evidence exists in support of aerosolized transmission, and both SARS 1 and 2 have had examples of infection spreading through human feces.
Conversely, as an example, influenza typically spreads by direct contact with a contaminated surface or person.
The wide-ranging transmission methods for which infectious particles of SARS-CoV-2 can spread are what makes it somewhat unique to our modern experience, likely contributed to it's seemingly rapid and unchecked spread, and why electrostatic disinfection has increased in popularity and demand substantially since the outbreak.
Electrostatic Vs. Conventional Disinfection
Conventional cleaning and disinfection methods, despite the best of intentions and the most thorough training, will likely leave numerous surfaces routinely untouched, making them hotbeds for the spread of deadly pathogens and bacteria.
Often, the unsanitized surfaces are also high-touch germ hotspots, like computer keyboards and office phones.
Compounding the issue is the need to regularly disinfect very large spaces, such as gyms, or areas with numerous surfaces, such as classrooms.
Conventionally, the more complicated the clean, the more time and labor-power is required, and the more likely something will be missed, thereby increasing the likelihood of spreading pathogens.
Electrostatic disinfection appliances resolve many of the issues associated with complicated, or large-scale disinfection operations by:
- Eliminating missed surface areas through electrostatic particle attraction, and;
- Reducing the number of custodial workers required to sanitize a facility, thereby reducing the potential for cross-contamination and person-to-person transmission.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency;
Recently, there has been increased interest in the application of antimicrobial disinfectants on List N via electrostatic spray given the need to disinfect large indoor spaces to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.
Electrostatic sprayers work by charging the antimicrobial liquid as it passes through a nozzle.
The positively charged antimicrobial droplets are attracted to negatively charged environmental surfaces allowing for improved coverage on hard, non-porous environmental surfaces.
However, 360-degree coverage is only part of the success equation.
The capabilities of the disinfectant itself must meet with the EPA's efficacy standards, which many electrostatic appliances have already established for comparable pathogens.
While advanced electrostatic sprayers are much more efficient than traditional application methods, the disinfectant is the key to stopping the virus from spreading.
The EPA recognized surfaces as a vector for transmission of coronaviruses and placed its emerging pathogen policy into effect.
That means if a disinfectant has a kill claim against a similar virus, it may be used in the event of a declared epidemic resulting from new or emerging viral pathogens.
The EPA also created List-K identifying products effective against Clostridium Difficile (C. diff), Candida Auris (C. Auris), and other threats yet to emerge.
Electrostatic sprayer system kills COVID-19, disinfects public spaces in a matter of hours
References & Resources
Takeaway
SARS-CoV-2 appears to remain contagious and travel multiple routes towards infecting human hosts, underscoring the need to implement versatile and highly effective sanitation methods.
An emergent technology that has proven itself highly capable of effectively combatting similar pathogens in large facilities with numerous and complicated-to-sanitize surfaces is electrostatic disinfection.
According to the EPA's guidelines, this means the technology and accompanying disinfectant has a high probability of killing the SARS-CoV-2 virus at a vastly superior rate when compared to conventional disinfection methods.
However, one caveat that is rarely brought up in the discussion of ESD appliances is the need to first clean the surfaces prior to disinfecting to ensure the highest levels of sanitation.
If you would like more information regarding the effectiveness of high-performance infection prevention and control measures, or if you would like to schedule a free, no-obligation onsite assessment of your facility's custodial needs, contact us today for a free quote!
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In Valencia CA, or Santa Clarita CA, call (661) 437-3253
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