What is Hypochlorous Acid?

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is the active ingredient in eWater sanitising and disinfectant solutions. It is a powerful disinfectant that is safe for humans and the environment, making it an ideal choice for various cleaning and sanitising applications.

Overview

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is the active ingredient in eWater sanitising and disinfectant solutions. It is a powerful disinfectant that is safe for humans and the environment, making it an ideal choice for various cleaning and sanitising applications.

HOCI Characteristics


Natural Disinfectant

Hypochlorous acid is a substance naturally produced by the white blood cells in our bodies to fight infections. It is highly effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Production

In eWater Systems, hypochlorous acid is produced through the process of electrolysis. Tap water and high-purity salt are combined, and an electric current is passed through the solution, resulting in the formation of hypochlorous acid.

Effectiveness

Hypochlorous acid is as effective as traditional chemical disinfectants like bleach but without harmful chemicals, fumes, or residues. It quickly penetrates the cell walls of microorganisms, disrupting their function and killing them.

Safety

Hypochlorous acid is non-toxic and safe for use around people, pets, and food. It does not cause skin irritation or respiratory issues, making it a safer alternative to many conventional disinfectants.


Environmental Benefits

Hypochlorous acid breaks down into harmless salt and water, leaving no harmful residues. This makes it an environmentally friendly option for cleaning and sanitising.


Additional Background Information

Hypochlorous acid has been recognized as an effective antimicrobial for over 100 years. It was used during the world wars for disinfecting medical equipment and dressing wounds.


The main challenge with HOCl has been its lack of shelf stability, as it reacts quickly and turns back into saltwater. However, modern water electrolysis methods, like those used in eWater Systems, have significantly improved the stability of HOCl solutions, allowing them to be packaged and distributed effectively.

eWater Sanitise and Disinfect uses hypochlorous acid generated through electrolysis, creating a solution with a high oxidising reduction potential. This environment is inhospitable to microbes, making eWater effective against a wide range of bacterial and viral microorganisms, including enveloped viruses like COVID-19.

eWater Sanitise and Disinfect are distinct from bleach, although both use hypochlorous acid to kill microorganisms. Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) requires a high concentration to be effective and is hazardous to handle. In contrast, eWater contains naturally formed hypochlorous acid, which is more efficacious at lower concentrations and safer to use without personal protective equipment.

In summary, hypochlorous acid is a highly effective, natural disinfectant that is both safe and environmentally friendly. It is the key ingredient in eWater sanitising solutions, providing powerful cleaning capabilities without the drawbacks of traditional chemical disinfectants.


For more information on the benefits of hypochlorous acid, please contact our support team.