QUATS: Safety Guide
The outbreak of the coronavirus has increased the demand for the QUATS-based disinfectant and other sanitary chemicals. But why QUATS based chemicals? What is so special about them? What is QUATS?
So let's understand what is QUATS and then move on to the safety guide.
QUATS - Quaternary Ammonium Salts:
So by the name you get to know that QUATS is basically ammonium salts. Every molecule of the QUATS includes a core which is composed of positively charged nitrogen atom ions. QUATS are increasingly used in the disinfectants, wipes as well as sprays because they are potent in killing the viruses and germs present on the surfaces. As per the chemical experts, the quaternary ammonium compounds, for example, benzalkonium chloride, are known to be odourless, colourless, non-irritating, and deodorizing. The compounds are thus used in detergent to make the clothes infection-free. Besides, most of the quaternary ammonium compounds are inactivated in the presence of some soaps or soap residues. But when it comes to organic material, the antibacterial activity is reduced drastically. Quaternary ammonium compounds are effective against bacteria, but only and somewhat effective against fungi and viruses.
But in the end, however powerful the QUATS are, they must be used with proper safety precautions. So let’s get to know what are the safety measures that one must follow while using QUATS.
Be Extra Careful While Dealing With QUATS-Based Chemicals:
Whenever you are using a disinfectant, sprays, or any other chemical that includes QUATS, you must ensure that the solutions are mild and not very strong. If the chemical solution is quite strong, then dilute it by adding the disinfectant or QUATS-based solution to the water and use it for different purposes. QUATS based chemicals are highly toxic and can cause contact dermatitis, asthma, and other health impacts.
Make Sure You Have All The Personal Equipment While Using QUAT based chemicals:
You must wear gloves, eye masks, and face mask before you make use of QUAT based chemicals. It will keep you safe and protected, even if some accident happens.
Be Particular About The Material Of The Safety Equipment:
The gloves should be used while dealing with QUATS based chemicals and they need to be of good quality to provide strong protection. Besides this, you must ensure that the room is properly ventilated while using QUATS based chemicals. Keep all the windows open and turn on exhaust fans to dissipate the toxic fumes. Precautions must be strictly followed to minimize exposure to these harmful chemicals. If you are not careful enough, then it can cause respiratory, skin, and eye irritation, and can cause or exacerbate asthma.
Do Not Mix QUATS Based Chemical With Other Chemicals:
This is a statutory warning that is provided on the label of the chemicals. Mixing QUATS based chemicals with other chemicals can cause very dangerous reactions. For example, if bleach and ammonia are mixed together, they produce toxic gases that can be lethal.
If You Are Using QUATS-Based Disinfectant For Cleaning:
If you want the work to be effective then first of all clean the surface and then apply disinfectant so that all the viruses and germs get killed efficiently.
The QUATS Based Chemicals Must be Stored In A Safe Place:
Safety and precaution should be maintained not only while using the QUATS chemicals but also while storing them. These are extremely harmful and must be stored in a safe place and should be out of the reach of children. Proper storing also prevents accidents to a larger extent.
Always Have A Habit of Reading The Labels:
When you read the label, you are making yourself aware of all the safety guidelines that you need to follow. The chemical labels provide valuable information that will properly use, first aid directions, and hazard warning/danger statements and will help you to be safe.
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