ACCELERATED HYDROGEN PEROXIDE (AHP)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL QUESTIONS ON DISINFECTANTS
AHP TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY RELATED QUESTIONS
AHP PROTOCOL & USE QUESTIONS
GERMICIDAL EFFICACY

GENERAL QUESTIONS ON DISINFECTANTS

What is a disinfectant? How do I tell if I am using a disinfectant?
A disinfectant is considered to be an agent that kills / destroys pathogenic microorganisms on inanimate surfaces and includes germicides, bactericides, fungicides, virucides, tuberculocides, sproricides, sterilants etc. Manufacturers who label products with disinfectant claims are responsible for having data to demonstrate that the product is efficacious when used as labeled.

Are all disinfectants effective in the presence of organic soil?

Organic Matter (food or human fluid) form a barrier that can either increase the time required to reach the germs or may prevent their contact entirely. Further, some soils can react with a disinfectant and reduce the efficacy. To overcome this problem, AHP has been tested in the presence of a soil called serum. The serum test measures the product efficacy when organic soils are present. To check whether the disinfectant has been tested with serum, check the label: a '5% test' indicates that the test broth contained 5% serum.
In the presences of heavy soil loads, it is preferable to clean the surface with a detergent cleaner with agitation by a mop, brush or cloth prior to disinfecting to get down to the pathogens.

Are disinfectants effective when diluted in hard water?
Similar to organic soil, hard water residues will decrease or prevent disinfectant activity. Disinfectants need to be tested in hard water conditions. This information should appear on a label - look for test data with water >=400 ppm hardness.

How can cleaning sufficiently reduce the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms from environmental surfaces?

Cleaning physically removes rather than kills microorganisms. Meticulously cleaning environmental surfaces removes foreign material, such as dust, soil and organic matter which may act as a reservoir for potentially pathogenic microorganisms.
It is impractical to believe that contact times necessary for disinfection to occur will be adhered to on environmental surfaces. Therefore, cleaning with a product such as AHP, which has a broad spectrum of activity in a short contact time, offers added confidence that the environmental surface will be sufficiently decontaminated.

How does an antibiotic resistant strain affect disinfectants?

Antibiotic resistant strains do not mean chemical resistance. These bacteria have developed resistance to antibiotics pertaining to human clinical situations. This does not imply that these strains are resistant to chemical disinfection. Chemical are now tested against antibiotic resistant strains such as VRE, MRSA etc. These are shown on the label claims.
There are differing opinions within the scientific community as whether over use of disinfectants can lead to chemical resistance. A literature search showed that there are several published studies that suggest disinfectant chemistries such as Quats that leave an active residual on the surface can lead to resistance.

Some products leave a residual active ingredient on surfaces. The manufacturers claim that this residual is important for continued 'biocidal' activity.
Residual active ingredients left by antimicrobials only are effective while wet. In addition these residuals may contribute to chemical resistant strains of microorganisms.

Why is it important for disinfectants to be free of VOCs?

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are compounds containing at least one carbon atom, excluding carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, which evaporate readily to the atmosphere. VOCs include a wide range of individual substances from many substance classes such as hydrocarbons, halocarbons and oxygenates.
Major VOC emission sources are the organic solvents used in many consumer and commercial products such as underarm anti-perspirants, cleaning and disinfectant products, exterior paints used on homes, and commercial printing inks; transportation sector activities such as the exhaust emissions from cars and trucks; various industrial processes such as chemical manufacturing; and residential/commercial/fuel/wood combustion. Not all VOCs originate from man made sources, however, in more populated and industrial areas man made emissions predominate.
VOC solvent use is the second largest source of man made VOC emissions to the atmosphere in most areas of Canada.

AHP TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS

What is Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide?

AHP is a patented synergistic blend of commonly used, safe ingredients that when combined with low levels of hydrogen peroxide dramatically increase its germicidal potency and cleaning performance.
AHP is composed of Hydrogen Peroxide, Surface Acting Agents (surfactants), wetting agents (a substance that reduces the surface tension of a liquid, causing the liquid to spread across or penetrate more easily the surface of a solid) & chelating agents (a substance that helps to reduce metal content and/or hardness of water). The ingredients are all listed on the EPA and Health Canada Inerts lists and the FDA Generally Regarded as Safe List (GRAS). All chemicals used in the formulation of AHP are commonly found in commercial and industrial cleaners and disinfectants.

What is the difference between AHP and the Hydrogen Peroxide that can be purchased at a Drug Store?

Hydrogen Peroxide purchased at a Drug Store is a 3% solution mixed with water. Scientists had worked for many years to find a way to properly mix other ingredients in this water and Hydrogen Peroxide solution and create a commercially viable and effective product.
AHP is a formulation of Hydrogen Peroxide, surfactants and other inert ingredients which results in less active ingredient but better cleaning and faster germicidal performance than Hydrogen Peroxide at 3% with water (At the In-Use dilution of AHP for environmental surfaces the active ingredient is only 0.5%).

How is AHP packaged?
AHP can be purchased as a Concentrate, a Ready-To-Use solution or as Wipes. The size of containers for the liquid solution can range from a 500 ml spray bottle to a 200 Litre drum.

If disinfectants are not generally recognized as good cleaners, how can AHP be considered a good cleaner?
As the accompanying chart illustrates, common disinfecting products including Chlorine (bleach), phenols, quaternary ammonium compounds and water remove between 12 and 16% of organic matter on a surface. When you clean using these materials, you actually are putting most of the dirt into a solution that is then re-distributed over a surface where it re-dries, creating a layer of organic material. AHP in addition to being an excellent disinfectant is also an excellent cleaner. Using the Canadian Standards Board Test CGSB 2.16-78 for Cleaning Efficiency, the In-Use Dilution of AHP (1:16) received a result of 86.5%. AHP starts to strip away the layers of dirt that have been deposited on the surface until you get back down to the base material.

Comparison Chart

Canadian Standards Board Test CGSB 2.16-87 Cleaning Efficacy Result Parameter: 70% cleaning efficiency is considered acceptable per Government testing standards.

What are the advantages of using AHP as a Cleaner & Disinfectant?

AHP is a unique formulation that has the perfect balance between Speed of Germicidal Efficacy, Cleaning Efficacy, Safety for Users and Occupants, and Environmental profile.
It is easy to make a strong disinfectant to kill pathogens, however, it is difficult to create one that won’t eat the surfaces it’s put on or harm the user that has to apply it or the environment that has to absorb it. This is the challenge for every chemical manufacturer.
AHP has a Broad-Spectrum Sanitizing Claim in 30 seconds (5 Log reduction (99.999%) against Vegetative Bacteria), a Bactericidal Claim in 3 minutes (6 Log reduction (99.9999%) against Vegetative Bacteria) and is a General Virucide Claim in 5 minutes (3 Log reduction (99.9%) against The Polio Sabin Strain Type 1 Virus).
AHP provides exceptional Cleaning Properties even in the presence of dried organics and inorganics due to the oxidizing effect of Hydrogen Peroxide and the synergy of the ingredients in the formula.
AHP has an excellent Safety & Environmental Profile for the user and the environment. It is non-irritating to eyes & skin, is free of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), there are no toxic ingredients in the formula and AHP does not leave any residual chemistry on the surface once dried.

My Facility recently switched to AHP. We are experiencing a musty odour after cleaning & the appearance of a film on the floor & counter surfaces. What is causing this?
Quaternary ammonia compound based products leave residual active ingredient chemistry on surfaces. After years of use there may be a significant amount of build up. Additionally, while cleaning if the solution is not changed frequently you will be re-distributing the dirt & organic matter back on to the surface. AHP because of its superior cleaning properties starts to strip away the layers of dirt & residual chemistry that have been left on the surface. With years of use they may be several layers to remove in order to get back down to the base material. The odour & film you are experiencing is caused by this new layer of organic material that is being exposed to air. It may take between 5 and 10 days of AHP use before the odour & film will disappear

My Facility recently switched to AHP and we are experiencing odours. Any thoughts?

Does the solution itself have the odour? If so, submit the lot# and expiry for investigation of possible contamination of the bottle.

Is the dilution system working properly? Check the dilution.

Are you diluting with hot water? Use cool tap water.

Are other chemicals being used for cleaning and disinfecting along with the AHP? If so, what is it used for and then discuss other AHP options if required.

If not we recommend exposing the glove being used to the solution. Smell the glove. You may experience various degrees of a sulphur odour. Is this the odour of the room? If so try a different glove for a couple of days.

If it was not the glove, what chemistry was previously being used in the room? For how long? It is possible that the odour is AHP removing old chemistry. Usually this takes a few days, however, in older facilities it may take longer. You could consider a more aggressive clean to help remove the old chemistry. Our experience has found that in time the odour goes away when this is the culprit.

If old chemistry on surfaces is not the issue, it could be a reaction with one particular surface in the room. An investigation of each surface in the room would have to be carried out.

If that cannot determine the source then we would recommend the unit look at what soils might be unique to the room that may be on the surface and come in contact with the solution.

What colour and scent does AHP have?

For Environmental reasons there are no dyes added to AHP.
AHP is free of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). Most fragrances commonly used are classified as VOCs; therefore, no fragrance is added to AHP. This also contributes to a better Health & Safety profile.

In reading your MSDS for the Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide product, under 'Accidental Release Measures' the Leak and Spill Procedures specify that the product should be kept from entering sewers or waterways. However, it is my understanding that the product can be disposed of down the drain. Why is there this discrepancy?

Information found on a MSDS always errs on the side of caution as we cannot speculate on the size of a spill. Any quantity of 5L or less (undiluted product) can be disposed of directly into a sewer system and does not require additional precautionary steps during disposal. This volume should allow for any use of product at an institutional level such as disposal of a product after cleaning.
In the case of say an accident where a tractor trailer filled with concentrated AHP bottles was to spill its entire shipment then additional Leak and Spill Procedures would have to be implemented.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY RELATED QUESTIONS

Can AHP be mixed with other chemicals?
It is never advisable to mix different chemical products. AHP should never be mixed with Chlorine based products or bleach.

What happens if the concentrated AHP product comes in contact with unprotected skin?

AHP concentrate is corrosive, and as such is labelled accordingly. As with any other chemical concentrate, when diluting or handling concentrated AHP appropriate PPE should be worn (gloves, long sleeve tops, goggles etc).

Many cleaning and/or disinfectant products on the market have pleasant smells such as citrus,lime etc. Why doesn’t AHP or SHP have a scent?

A reason for creating a scent-free product is to avoid the masking of odours. In most cases, the smell of a cleaner and disinfectant has the effect of masking the odour of the chemical and ultimately the odour in the room or facility. Clean really has no smell. It is the absence of smell due to the absence of any odour causing materials. When you clean and disinfect with AHP there isn’t a scent to mask the cleanliness. Your room or facility will eventually just smell clean.
Addition of scents which very often contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) to cleaning and disinfectants is also one of the leading causes of fragrance sensitivity and negative affects to indoor air quality. By creating a product that is scent free there are fewer negative reactions by end users, fewer complaints by occupants of the facility using AHP and therefore, from a Occupational Health & Safety standpoint a better product to use.
Hydrogen Peroxide is an oxidizing agent, meaning it will oxidize and destroy certain compounds. Typically, the scents used in most cleaners fall into this group. It would be difficult to find a scent that would stay stable in the solution.

How Do VOCs Affect the Environment?

When VOCs are released to the atmosphere, they can participate in atmospheric photochemical reactions to form ground-level ozone and particulate matter. These two air pollutants are the main ingredients of smog and cause serious health effects for Canadians, including thousands of premature deaths, hospital admissions and emergency room visits every year.
Almost all ground-level ozone and in the order of two-thirds of particulate matter are formed in the atmosphere through the reactions of precursor substances, with VOCs being one of the most significant. Consequently, reduction of atmospheric levels of particulate matter and ozone must be accomplished through reductions of precursors, such as VOCs.

Are VOCs Harmful to Human Health?

Health impacts can occur when VOCs are released to the atmosphere and participate in atmospheric photochemical reactions leading to the formation of ground level ozone and particulate matter. These two air pollutants are the main ingredients of smog and cause serious health effects for Canadians, including thousands of premature deaths, hospital admissions and emergency room visits every year. VOCs are one of the primary precursor substances leading to the atmospheric formation of both of ground level ozone and particulate matter.
The scope of substances that may be characterized as VOCs is extremely broad. Actions under the Federal Agenda are targeted at the sub-set of these substances used as solvent constituents in consumer and commercial products. The Agenda actions are not in response to a determination that these VOC solvent constituents pose any direct risk to human health, but rather the fact that upon evaporation to the atmosphere, they can undergo photochemical reaction resulting in the formation of ground-level ozone and particulate matter.

AHP PROTOCOL & USE QUESTIONS

What surfaces can AHP be used on?
AHP can be used on all surface types if label instructions are followed. Surfaces that are composed of brass or copper or other non-ferrous metals may show signs of discoloration or pitting with use.

The protocols for our facility require that we periodically test the solutions from the automated dispensing units to ensure that the correct dilution is occurring. Do you have a method to test your product to confirm the concentration of the active ingredient?

Yes. We have conducted internal audits on testing kits manufactured by CHEMetrics Inc (4295 Catlette Rd, Calverton VA 20138 USA, 1-800-356-3072)
The test kit to be used for verification of the 7% Accel Chemosterilant & High Level Disinfectant is the Rondo High Range Hydrogen Peroxide kit (product number 0025890A) provide a pass/fail reading that has been determined to be sensitive enough for this use as well as easy for the user to interpret.
Similarly, CHEMetrics markets a VACUettes® KIT for Hydrogen Peroxide part # K-5510C that is suitable for testing hydrogen peroxide at the 0.5% concentration found in the Surface Cleaner and Disinfectant product.

If the CHEMetrics test kits show that the hydrogen peroxide concentration is at the correct level beyond the label claims, can we assume the product is still safe to use?

The test strips are meant to protect the integrity of the stability of the surface product or re-use claim of the Chemosterilant. They are not intended to extend the use of the product beyond the claims listed on the label.
This is important to note as AHP is a synergy between all the various chemicals constituents. It is this synergy and not the concentration of Hydrogen Peroxide alone that provides its germicidal activity. Therefore, it is important that the shelf-life, stability life and re-use claims listed on the various product labels are adhered to.

What is the preferred method of applying AHP?

The method of use will depend on the area being cleaned and disinfected.
Larger surfaces such as operating room floors would require a larger sized bucket and a mop.
Large hand contact surfaces such as table tops, large counter tops and work areas, large sinks etc. would require the pouring of the solution on to a clean cloth and wiping.
Though not the preferred method, users may spray large surfaces using a spray bottle, let sit for the appropriate contact time and then wipe dry in case the solution has come in contact with non-compatible materials. Spraying can cause overspray on to areas you do not want the solution to be. Spraying also aerosolizes the solution. This is not in itself dangerous but can cause discomfort in sensitive individuals that are breathing in chemicals all day.
Small hand contact surfaces such as light switches, IV poles, bed rails, stethoscopes, haemodialysis machines, small workstations etc. require a wipe application only. The preferred method is through the use of a small AHP pre-moistened wipe for convenience (quick and easy), safety (no aerosolizing), cleaning (easy access to tight areas) and excellent sanitizing performance.
It always good practice to periodically complete a clean water rinse to remove any surfactant left on the surface.

Can AHP products be used for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces of blood and body fluids?

Yes, AHP products are effective for cleaning blood and body fluids.
Excess blood and fluid must be removed with an absorbent material. The surface should then be cleaned using AHP by applying the solution and allowing a 30 second contact time to elapse. The surface should then be wiped dry. To disinfect the surface, AHP should be applied a second time, allowing the surface to remain wet for 5 minutes. Once the 5 minute contact time has passed the surface should be wiped dry or rinsed.
All disinfectant products have a specific contact time by which their claims have been established. Failing to follow the Use Instructions and maintaining the proper contact time can mean that the surface in question has not been disinfected.

Our facility uses the concentrate AHP and dilutes it into the Kimberly-Clarke Wet Task system; I’ve noticed a black growth in the buckets. What is causing this?

All disinfectants have a shelf life once the product has been diluted. Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide once diluted into a closed container has a shelf life of 30 days. Over time the concentration of the active in AHP (Hydrogen Peroxide) will decrease and the further you get from the expiry date, the lower the concentration of Hydrogen Peroxide which can result in the growth of mold. For this reason, it is very important that all bottles and containers of disinfectants are dated with the expiry date. This ensures you are not using expired product and that that the efficacy you need in your facility will be met.

GERMICIDAL EFFICACY

In order to sufficiently decontaminate environmental surfaces what concentration of AHP do you recommend?

For hand contact points and blood & body fluid cleaning, when a higher degree of confidence in the decontamination of procedure is required, it is recommended that you use a 0.5% AHP solution. This concentration has demonstrated the ability to reduce the viable population of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 33592), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) and Salmonella choleraesuis (ATCC 10708) by a 6 Log reduction (99.9999%) in 5 minutes in the presences of a 5% soil load and 200 ppm of hard water.
The microorganisms listed above as well as VRE & MRSA have been demonstrated to bring a 5 Log reduction (99.999%) in 30 seconds.

How can I safely disinfect an environmental surface that has been contaminated with VRE or MRSA?
Once again, it is not necessary to disinfect an environmental surface, since the inanimate environment is seldom directly responsible for causing disease. But it is necessary to reduce the number of microorganisms found on an environmental surface to a safe level. AHP will reduce to the levels of MRSA and VRE by a 5 Log reduction (99.999%) in 30 seconds. Therefore, sufficiently decontaminating the environmental surface.

How can I safely disinfect an environmental surface that has been contaminated with Clostridium difficile?
C. difficile is a spore-forming bacterium and is, therefore, extremely resistant to environmental conditions and chemical germicides. When decontaminating environmental surfaces it is necessary for one to realize that an environmental surface may harbour a number of microorganisms, ranging from vegetative bacteria to spores. It is also necessary to realize that the inanimate environmental surfaces are seldom directly responsible for disease, but inanimate objects may act as fomites and serve as a vehicle for transmission either by contaminating the hands of health care workers for by contact with medical equipment. Therefore, proper cleaning of inanimate objects is the key to reducing the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms such as C. difficile.

What is the significance of a General Virucide Claim?
The Significance of a General Virucide Claim is that the solution has been proven effective against the Polio Sabin Strain Type 1 Non-Enveloped virus. If the solution is able to be deemed effective against this organism in testing it is expected to perform against other non-enveloped viruses as well as easier to kill enveloped viruses such as HIV, Influenza, and Herpes.

Is AHP effective against HIV?
Yes, AHP is effective against HIV. AHP has been proven in 3rd party research to be effective against Polio Virus Type 1, Sabin Strain (ATCC VR-192) which allows for a General Virucide claim against enveloped & non-enveloped viruses. Additionally, AHP has been tested against its ability to kill HIV.

Is AHP at a 0.5% concentration affective in decontaminating outbreaks for Meningitis?

The predominant means of transmission for either bacteria or viral Meningitis is via inhalation of contaminated air.
The major cause of bacterial meningitis (ie. Meningococci) are relatively easy to kill by many types of environmental surfaces disinfectants including AHP.
Causes of viral or aseptic meningitis may represent enveloped as well as non-enveloped viruses. Common types of non-enveloped viruses in this category are closely related to the Poliovirus that is used to obtain the General Virucide Claim in Canada. Therefore, formulations for environmental surface disinfection with such activity would most likely be effective in the inactivation of non-enveloped viruses that would cause meningitis outbreaks.

The Avian Influenza virus has become a prominent virus in the media. Can AHP be sold as a product that can claim to kill this virus?

Scientific studies show that most Influenza viruses do not survive for more than a few minutes on environmental surfaces, especially when the relative humidity is 50% or higher. At present there is no clear evidence that such viruses can be spread through contaminated environmental surfaces. Furthermore, Influenza viruses are relatively sensitive to a variety of environmental surface disinfectants.
Although AHP has not been tested specifically against the Avian Influenza virus we cannot claim we can kill the viruses, however, because of the General Virucide claim which proves AHP can kill Polio virus Type 1 as well as the our ability to kill Feline Calicivirus we can surmise that AHP should be efficacious against this Influenza virus.

Can AHP be used to disinfect against parasites such as scabies?