23: Solutions for Disinfectant Shortages
Q: Experts say we should disinfect by using the products listed on the list of Novel Coronavirus-Fighting Products (https: //www.americanchemistry.com/Novel-Coronavirus-Fighting-Products-List.pdf). This list was prepared by the American Chemistry Council’s Center for Biocide Chemistries (CBC) and approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). But I can't find the recommended disinfectants, what should I do?
💁Tracy: The following disinfection methods can be used with caution:
1) High temperature disinfection: keep above 133 °F for more than half an hour.
Method:
2) Bleaching powders and bleaching tablets for toilet tanks: all kinds of bleaching powders and bleaching tablets within the effective period can effectively kill the new coronavirus.
💁Tracy's Tips: The ratio to dilute bleaching powder is 5 tablespoons (1 / 3 cup) per gallon of water or 4 teaspoons per quart of water. Pay attention to avoid direct human contact with high concentration solutions.
3) Chlorine: chlorine can also be used to disinfect surfaces. Pay attention to avoid direct human contact.
4) High degree drinking alcohol: only effective when alcohol concentration is more than 60%, i.e. the degree is higher than 60, with similar usage as medical alcohol (70% -75%).
💁Tracy's Tips: Some higher than 80 degree spirits (i.e. the alcohol concentration is higher than 80%) must be diluted to 70% -75% to achieve the best disinfection effect.
5) Ultraviolet Light
💁Tracy's Tips: Ozone generators: Ozone generator also has disinfecting effect. But ozone itself is an air pollutant. Check whether it is allowed in your area. It should not be purchased and used illegally.
💁Tracy: The following disinfection methods can be used with caution:
Method:
- Preheat oven to over 140°F, put items in a suitable container in oven, and heat for half an hour. After taking out the items from oven, heat the oven to the highest temperature for another half hour to kill the high temperature resistant bacteria brought into the oven.
- For high temperature resistant small items such as tableware, use a high-temperature dishwasher or a special disinfection cabinet for tableware for disinfection. If there is no such equipment, you may boil them in boiling water for 3 minutes.
- For clothes and other fabric products: soak in high-temperature water, or use a high-temperature dryer to dry for more than half hour.
- Use high temperature towel disinfection cabinet
2) Bleaching powders and bleaching tablets for toilet tanks: all kinds of bleaching powders and bleaching tablets within the effective period can effectively kill the new coronavirus.
💁Tracy's Tips: The ratio to dilute bleaching powder is 5 tablespoons (1 / 3 cup) per gallon of water or 4 teaspoons per quart of water. Pay attention to avoid direct human contact with high concentration solutions.
3) Chlorine: chlorine can also be used to disinfect surfaces. Pay attention to avoid direct human contact.
4) High degree drinking alcohol: only effective when alcohol concentration is more than 60%, i.e. the degree is higher than 60, with similar usage as medical alcohol (70% -75%).
💁Tracy's Tips: Some higher than 80 degree spirits (i.e. the alcohol concentration is higher than 80%) must be diluted to 70% -75% to achieve the best disinfection effect.
5) Ultraviolet Light
- Set the timer in advance, or use the remote control. During disinfection, the door must be closed, and people cannot stay inside the room. Direct exposure to UV light could damage the skin or eyes, and may cause cancer.
- Ultraviolet rays cannot pass through many items. To disinfect those items thoroughly, you need to turn them around several times, and disinfect each surface individually.
- UV disinfection must last long enough. The duration depends on the power and the size of the disinfection range. If necessary, you must place it to different directions to ensure the effect. Please refer to the instruction manual for details.
💁Tracy's Tips: Ozone generators: Ozone generator also has disinfecting effect. But ozone itself is an air pollutant. Check whether it is allowed in your area. It should not be purchased and used illegally.
References
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cleaning-disinfection.html
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/disinfecting-your-home.html
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/disinfecting-your-home.html
Writing: Qingda Lu, Jingyi Xi; Translation: Xiaoming Dong; Proofreading: Xiao Luo, Suzhen Jiang, Alice Cai; Artwork: Jiehuan Liu
Disclaimer and Copyright © 2020 United Chinese Americans
