The Use of HOCl For COVID-19 PPE

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is one of the most effective known biocides and is widely considered to be an ideal disinfectant and sanitizer, because it is non-toxic and relatively inexpensive to produce. This solution has been used around the world for a couple years and has been an effective solution for many different sectors:

• Healthcare
• Food processing
• Manufacturing
  
• Water treatment
  
• Cleaning and housekeeping

Already Being Used in Water

Norwegian Cruise Line has proven that HOCl technology works in the cruise line industry. HOCl has an added benefit over bleach and peroxide-based chemicals because it does not ruin or tarnish the integrity of carpets, textiles, and furniture on the ships. HOCl is already being used in water as hypochlorous acid and is the active sanitizer in hypochlorite-based products such as swimming pools. HOCl is used in marine sanitation converting seawater into hypochlorous acid to disinfect fecal waste before discharging into the sea.

Its Being Made In Our Bodies

Our white blood cells in our immune system produce HOCl to kill invasive organisms and fight infection. White blood cells engulf pathogens through the process of phagocytosis, then produce hypochlorous acid that kills the microbial pathogen in fractions of a second on contact. 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & COVID-19

HOCl can be dispersed using a fogger for large-scale disinfection operations. South Korea’s drive-through corona testing stations have their fully clothed workers end their shift by stepping into a portable booth that fogs hypochlorous acid on them. 

For home & office use, new aerosol sprays are available in the market. Safe to breath, light-weight, portable, and unscented products leave no noticeable residue.