COVID 19 disease is a respiratory infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This virus is transmitted primarily by close physical contact through exposure to respiratory droplets carrying the virus. It is possible for people to become infected through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects (fomites), although the risk is considered to be low.
SARS-CoV-2 is an enveloped virus, which means that its genetic material is inside an outer layer (envelope) of proteins and lipids. The envelope contains structures (spike proteins) to attach to human cells during infection. The envelope for SARS-CoV-2, as with other respiratory viruses, is labile and can degrade rapidly upon contact with surfactants contained in cleaning agents and exposure to the action of disinfectants.
Both cleaning (use of soap or detergent) and disinfection (use of a product or process designed to inactivate SARS-CoV-2) can reduce the risk of fomite transmission. Cleaning reduces the amount of soil (e.g., dirt, microbes, and other organic and chemical agents) on surfaces, but effectiveness varies depending on the type of detergent used, the cleaning procedure, and how well the cleaning is performed. At Austral Chemicals we have ISP registered Detergents and Disinfectants with proven virucidal efficacy, we can help you build hygiene and disinfection procedures according to your needs.
To substantially inactivate SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces, the surface must be treated with a disinfectant product. Organic matter can impede the direct contact of a disinfectant with the surface and can nullify the microbicidal properties or mode of action of various disinfectants. To effectively disinfect a surface, the method used, the concentration and the contact time of the disinfectant are decisive. It is also important to determine the microorganisms of interest, the compatibility of the product with the surfaces to be treated, toxicity, ease of use and product stability. The disinfectants chosen should meet the requirements for marketing set by local authorities, particularly any standards relevant to a particular sector, e.g., sanitary and food.
During the cleaning and disinfection process, solutions prepared from these products may become contaminated and gradually lose their effectiveness when there is a high presence of organic matter; consequently, continuous use of the same solution may transfer microorganisms from one surface to another (cross-contamination). Therefore, in heavily contaminated areas, detergent or disinfectant solutions should be discarded after each use. It is recommended that solutions be prepared daily at the beginning of each cleaning shift.
Detergents and disinfectants should be prepared and handled safely, following the manufacturer's instructions and using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to avoid chemical exposure. Incorrect dilution (too high or too low) may decrease efficacy. High concentrations increase the exposure of users to the chemical compound and may also damage surfaces.
There has been an increase in poisonings and injuries from the misuse of these chemicals since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some types of disinfection applications, particularly those involving thermal fogging or misting, are not safe and effective in inactivating the virus unless used correctly.
Routine cleaning performed effectively with soap or detergent, at least once a day, can substantially reduce virus levels on surfaces. When focused on high-contact surfaces, cleaning with soap or detergent should be sufficient to further reduce the relatively low risk of fomite transmission in situations where there has not been a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19. In situations where there has been a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 within the last 24 hours, the presence of infectious viruses on surfaces is more likely and, therefore, high-contact surfaces should additionally be disinfected.
In conclusion, it can be mentioned that the risk of transmission through surfaces or fomites can be reduced by wearing masks consistently and correctly, maintaining strict hand hygiene, performing cleaning and disinfection procedures properly and when appropriate, and taking any measures that contribute to keeping facilities healthy and safe.
Austral Chemicals has disinfectants with proven efficacy and the corresponding ISP registration. Contact us to provide you with on-site advice and to obtain dosage recommendations and proper use.
References
Cleaning and disinfection of surfaces in the immediate environment within the framework of COVID-19. Geneva. WHO May 2020. https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/332168/WHO-2019-nCoV-Disinfection-2020.1-spa.pdf
Science Brief: SARS-CoV-2 and Surface (Fomite) Transmission for Indoor Community Environments. USA. CDC. April 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/science-and-research/surface-transmission.html
About Austral
Created in 1942, Austral Chemicals is a leader in Chile in the development, production and commercialization of silicates as well as for the formulation of hygiene, cleaning and metal surface treatment solutions. Moreover, it is a partner of choice in the distribution of innovative chemical solutions and related services. Their chemical experts serve various markets such as mining, oil & gas, wood, pulp & paper, coatings, food, plastics, packaging, metal, construction, leather or home care. The company safely provides solutions that makes their industrial customers more successful and the future more sustainable.
