When it comes to maintaining a clean and hygienic environment, surface disinfection is essential to minimize the spread of bacteria and viruses. While alcohol-based surface disinfection has been popular for a long time, there is a growing interest in alcohol-free alternatives such as ECA water . This blog post explores why alcohol-free surface disinfection may be a better solution than alcohol-based alternatives.
Challenges with alcohol-based surface disinfection
Alcohol-based surface disinfectants have been used for decades to kill bacteria and viruses on surfaces. While effective, there are some challenges worth considering:
- Damage to surfaces: Alcohol can dry out and damage certain surfaces such as wood, plastic and leather over time. This can cause damage and deterioration of the materials.
- Fire hazard: Alcohol-based disinfectants are flammable, posing a risk in areas with open flames or electrical equipment. Alcohol-based disinfection in many cases also requires separate insurance for storage.
- Skin irritation: Repeated contact with alcohol-based disinfectant can cause skin irritation and dryness in those who use it frequently.
- Vapor Inhalation: Use of alcohol-based disinfectant in enclosed areas may result in inhalation of alcohol vapors, which may be harmful to health.
The benefits of alcohol-free surface disinfection
Alcohol-free surface disinfection offers a number of advantages that make it a better solution for both hygiene and users:
- Gentle on materials: Alcohol-free disinfection is gentler on materials such as wood, plastic and fabric, which extends the life of the surfaces.
- Non-flammable: Alcohol-free disinfectants are not flammable, making them safer to use in all kinds of environments.
- Skin-friendly: They are also gentler on the skin and reduce the risk of dryness, irritation and allergic reactions.
- Lower risk of vapor inhalation: Alcohol-free disinfection does not emit harmful alcohol vapors, which ensures a healthier working environment.
- Wider application: Alcohol-free disinfection is suitable for various types of surfaces and can be used in areas where alcohol-based products may not be ideal.
- More effective: Alcohol-free disinfection is also a more effective choice in many cases. Unlike alcohol-free disinfection, alcohol-based disinfection has no documented effect against the well-known food-borne virus Norovirus (Roskilde disease).
Alcohol-free surface disinfection and the environment
Another important factor to consider is the environmental impact of alcohol-free surface disinfection. Many of these products, including ECA water, use biodegradable ingredients and have a lower environmental impact than their alcohol-based counterparts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is alcohol-free surface disinfection as effective as alcohol-based disinfection? Yes, many alcohol-free surface disinfectants are scientifically proven to be at least as effective against bacteria and viruses.
Is alcohol-free surface disinfection more expensive? Prices may vary, but costs are often comparable to alcohol-based disinfection. In the long term, the additional benefits may outweigh any price difference.
Can alcohol-free disinfection be used on all surfaces? Yes, alcohol-free surface disinfectant is usually gentle on a wide range of surfaces and materials.
Is alcohol-free surface disinfection safer for users? Yes, alcohol-free disinfectants generally have fewer health risks as they do not emit harmful fumes and are less irritating to the skin. It can also be seen on the majority of the alcohol-free disinfectants that there are no danger labels in contrast to alcohol-based products.
Can alcohol-free surface disinfection protect the environment? Yes, many alcohol-free products are developed with a focus on environmental friendliness and use biodegradable ingredients.
