Transcript Alcohol May Not Solve Your Problems: Total Germ Protection

Alcohol may not Solve Your Problems
[at least -- not on your mask]
Total Germ Protection
Presented By:
Stewart Gregory
Stephen Falder
Overview
 Masks and Human Health
 Current Strategy and Process
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A ‘Bugs’ View
Alcohol Risk Factors
APIC
Mask Damage
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Protection Barrier
Why Byotrol Technology
Less Mask Damage
Use of Correct Wipe Material
Possible Military Applications
 The Strategy of Byotrol
 Conclusion: Byotrol Vs. Alcohol
Masks and Human Health
 Breathing apparatus is nearly always in
close physical contact with the nose mouth
and face.
 Regular use results in transfer of bioburden [bugs] from wearer to the mask
and provides a nutrient source.
 Left unchecked, the microbial flora on a
mask will present a clear risk to the wearer
 Increases the likelihood of illness
 Likelihood of persistence of a
disease/malady
Current Strategy
 Shock & awe!
 Hit ‘em hard
Hit ‘em fast
 Maybe
damage their
‘country’
 Wait a bit
 Repeat
Current Process
 Clean it
 Disinfect it
 Rinse it
 Air dry it
5/23/2012 - Senior Airman Mark Rocamontes, 374th Operations
Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment journeyman, inspects
a MBU-12/P mask before sanitizing it at Yokota Air Base, Japan,
May 21, 2012. Masks are inspected and sanitized every 30 days.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Krystal M. Garrett)
But From A ‘Bugs’ View?
 Current cleaning process
 Relies on direct contact of the disinfectant with the
microbe.
 This requires a specified contact time in order to be
effective
 From a bugs point of view
 Avoid the contact [By hiding under other bugs]
 Survive the contact times [Noro-virus needs 60
seconds wet contact with alcohol]
 Arrive after the cleaning has been done!
 Cleaning as we do it now makes life easier for new
microbes to move in. Another “bug benefit”
Alcohol Risk Factors [1]
 Alcohol efficacy drops sharply as it goes below 60%,
‘failing to danger’ during the cleaning process. This is
made worse if a large evaporative surface area is
presented [i.e. if it is used as a wipe].
Images 50 x and 500
x showing the
typical large surface
area for evaporation
presented by a non
woven wipe
Alcohol Risk Factors [2]
Damage
An organic solvent (Alcohol)
 Can and will affect certain mask polymers that
compose a typical mask causing swelling
 More importantly damage/erosion of certain
components changing the structure of the
component making it more microbe friendly.
APIC
 According to the Association for Professionals in Infection
Control and Epidemiology ( APIC)
 Eethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol are not effective in
sterilizing equipment and instruments
 They lack sporicidal activity
 Can’t penetrate protein-rich material
 Isopropyl alcohol lacks the ability to kill hydrophilic viruses
 For these reasons, alcohol is classified as an lowintermediate level disinfectant.
 Activity of both alcohols, however, drops sharply when
diluted below 60%.
Damage [1]
Smooth appearance of new/ v low
use mask seal
[Image at 250 x Mag using SEM]
Very Pitted and damaged areas found
all over alcohol cleaned and used mask
[Image at 250 x Mag using SEM]
Damage [2]
Damage to the mask
caused by solvent
application can be seen
creating small and larger
‘pits’ which have a
structure that is very
attractive to microbial
colonization
The Strategy of Byotrol
 Killing germs and other
microbes is easy.
 Controlling them for
prolonged periods is very
hard!
 Remove the problem
Disinfectant
 Change the conditions
Anti-infectant!
 Powerful, Long lasting
but [to us!] gentle.
Protection Barrier
Why Byotrol Technology?
 Broad-band biocide effects on
virus, bacterial cells & spores,
fungi and algae.
 Inhibits the re-growth of
biofilm for extended periods
of time.
 Unique properties is
 Residual/durable action
 Remains active even after
it dries
 Provides long- lasting
active protection for
extended periods
The Differences That Gentle And Persistence Bring :
Less Damage
Byotrol
Alcohol
Sections of new mask after 500 wipes with alcohol and after 500 wipes with Byotrol
showing pitting damage with alcohol.
Note
Accelerated test shows very similar effect to the ‘used mask’ sections
Using The Correct Wipe Material
Side by side mask section cleaned with:
Paper Towel wipe
Higher mag image of paper residues
Non Woven wipe
Disinfectants applied by paper wipes will leave residues
behind that can act at as ‘refuge’ for microbes
Possible Military Application
All respiratory and above neck equipment subject to contact with the skin:
Chem / Bio Masks and Hoods [Aircrew and Ground Crew]
Lip Lights
Visors
NVGs
Flash-Blindness Goggles
Boom & Throat Mics
Distinct advantages over alcohol:
1. Non-HAZMAT. Convenient shipping, storage, and handling
2. More effective than alcohol
3. Safe for aircrew and technicians
4. Long lasting protection after its dry
Summary
Byotrol Vs. Alcohol
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Proven more effective though testing
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Safe no hazardous materials
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More Powerful
Absolutely deadly to bacteria and viruses...
Fast acting effect; powerful germ killing power – up to 99.99% of germs in 30 seconds.
Broad-based efficacy across all microbial classes: bacteria, viruses, fungi, molds & algae.
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Gentle
Harmless to individual aircrew …..
Bleach is toxic and corrosive, alcohol can irritate skin.
Byotrol’s structure allows for fewer chemicals, reassuring for you and your family.
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Long-lasting
keeps working long after alcohol have stopped.
Residual, durable, long-lasting protection from germs : hours, days, weeks, even months for
certain formulations
Questions?