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Study: Disinfectants Lose Efficacy When Instructions Ignored

Disinfectants were significantly less effective at eliminating bacteria when used at a lower concentration and contact time than advised on the label, according to a study conducted by researchers at Purdue University and Diversey Care, a division of Sealed Air.

The study tested three disinfectants—accelerated hydrogen peroxide (AHP), quatemary ammonium compounds (Quats) and sodium hypochlorite—on stainless steel surfaces at 77 degrees Fahrenheit. All three were 15 to 70 percent effective at eliminating bacteria when used at a lower than recommended contact time, and were 40 to 75 percent effective when used at a lower concentration. For example, a one-minute contact time with AHP resulted in 56.8 percent bactericidal efficacy, compared to 100 percent efficacy at the recommended five-minute contact time.

About Diversey Care
With sales in more than 175 countries, Diversey Care, a division of Sealed Air, is a global provider of commercial cleaning, sanitation, and hygiene solutions. For more information, visit www.diversey.com.