{"id":8134,"date":"2023-05-03T00:30:40","date_gmt":"2023-05-02T22:30:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.amil-care.com\/2023\/05\/03\/sanificare-perossido-idrogeno\/"},"modified":"2023-06-06T15:06:20","modified_gmt":"2023-06-06T13:06:20","slug":"sanitize-hydrogen-peroxide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.amil-care.com\/en\/2023\/05\/03\/sanitize-hydrogen-peroxide\/","title":{"rendered":"Hydrogen peroxide for sanitization: all the benefits"},"content":{"rendered":"

The importance of sanitizing environments has always been crucial to guarantee the safety and health of the people who frequent them. With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, cleaning and disinfection have become even more crucial to preventing the spread of the virus. Among the various products used for <\/span>sanitization, hydrogen peroxide<\/span><\/b> is one of the most effective and used. <\/span>Hydrogen peroxide<\/span><\/b> is a chemical substance composed of two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms used in <\/span>sanitizing environments<\/span><\/b> for its ability to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In this article we will delve into what hydrogen peroxide is, how it works, and why it is important for sanitizing environments, useful notions for all professionals who wish to learn more about the topics mentioned, from hygiene managers in industries to health care workers and clinical engineers.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hydrogen peroxide and Covid-19<\/h2>\n

In 2020, the explosion of the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of environmental <\/span>sanitization <\/span>to prevent health problems.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With <\/span>circular no. 5443 of 02\/22\/2020<\/span>, the Ministry of Health has indicated the tools and substances recommended for the sanitization of healthcare and non-medical working environments.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As regards health facilities, which require particular attention, the Ministry reports that Coronaviruses, including the viruses responsible for SARS and MERS, “<\/span>are effectively inactivated by adequate sanitization procedures which include the use of commonly used disinfectants treatment, such as sodium hypochlorite (0.1% -0.5%), ethanol (62-71%) or hydrogen peroxide (0.5%), for an adequate contact time”.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Threrefore,<\/span> Hydrogen peroxide<\/span><\/b> in the indicated percentage, ranks among the currently most reliable compounds for the <\/span>environmental sanitization of healthcare facilities<\/span><\/b>, including that specifically aimed at the <\/span>neutralization of Sars-Cov-2<\/span><\/b>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The intervention areas of a professional sanitization process are common areas such as reception rooms (e.g., waiting rooms, reception) and other public places (e.g., operating theaters, clinics, toilets).<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A correct sanitization process is divided into the following phases, in this order: cleansing and disinfection.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Detersion (or cleaning) is mandatory before disinfection because it decreases the microbial <\/span>load,<\/span> allowing the active ingredient to act: in fact, the removal of dirt removes the development medium for the microorganisms.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Subsequently, disinfection brings into circulation molecules that can significantly reduce pathogenic microorganisms on surfaces and equipment. It is at this stage that hydrogen peroxide, if present in the disinfectant used, intervenes.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hydrogen peroxide: how it works<\/h2>\n

What is <\/span>Hydrogen Peroxide<\/span><\/b>? <\/span>Commonly known with the chemical formula H2O2<\/span>, it is a compound containing peroxide ions (O22-) that has a high oxidative and biocidal efficiency.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In fact, it is widely used for disinfection, sterilization, and antisepsis, and is considered bactericidal, virucidal, sporicidal, and fungicidal depending on the concentrations of use. The 3% solution is the most commonly used and is stable over time if stored in opaque containers. [Return to the new line of text] It is also considered not very toxic to the environment, as it rapidly degrades into oxygen and water.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Especially effective is the combination of <\/span>hydrogen peroxide<\/span><\/b> and silver. The two active ingredients act synergistically in order to penetrate the biofilm: peroxide for its oxidizing action and silver thanks to the electrostatic bond to the bacterial membrane where it causes cell death in addition to its bacteriostatic activity.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How does sanitization with hydrogen peroxide and silver work?<\/h2>\n

In a closed environment with no people present, specialized personnel (equipped with correct PPE) such as AMIL Care personnel install a machine that nebulizes <\/span>hydrogen peroxide<\/span><\/b> with silver ions, saturating the environment and killing the microorganisms present (bacteria, mites, viruses, fungi, spores\u2026).<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At the end of the process and with appropriate ventilation, it is possible to return to the sanitized environment in safety.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other methods of environmental sanitization<\/h2>\n

In addition to <\/span>hydrogen peroxide<\/span><\/b>, other more or less effective substances are used by companies for professional sanitization treatments. Let’s see the main ones.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n