Do We Know Enough About Quat Disinfectants?

 

With the widespread pandemic of COVID-19, there has been an all-time rise in the demand for disinfectants that are powerful enough to kill both viruses and bacterias. Especially the QUAT-based disinfectants are flooding the market because they are potent enough to destroy a wide range of viruses and bacterias.

But some studies and research conducted by scientists have shown that Quat-based disinfectants are highly dangerous. So get to know about the working of the QUAT-based disinfectants and precautions that you need to maintain while making use of these chemicals.

How Do Quats-based Disinfectants Work On Viruses?

Generally, the viruses have an outer membrane or covering of a protein and lipid that comprises a viral genome. This viral genome is perfectly protected from the external environment by the lipid layer, which acts as its defense mechanism. To destroy these viruses and bacterias, you would require QUATS or alcohol-based disinfectants. Only such disinfectants can break into the protective lipid layer and kill them. It also helps in stopping the viruses from spreading further. To break the strong lipid layer of the virus, you need at least 70–80% alcohol concentrated solution.

Besides alcohol-based disinfectant, you can use quaternary ammonium compounds disinfectants that have the potential to attack the lipid structure of the viral envelope. QUATS based disinfectants are generally used for surface cleaning purposes because they possess oxidizers that can break down the virus’s essential components.

The major reason behind the wide usage of QUAT-Based Disinfectants is their compatibility. The QUAT-based disinfectant can be used in the form of cleaners or sprays and spread on the affected area. They do not cause any damage to clothing and carpets the way that oxidizing chemicals do. Besides this, the QUAT-based disinfectant is non-corrosive and can be easily used on metallic, wooden surfaces, or even floors. You can comfortably sanitize the area without causing any damage. A diluted solution of QUAT-based Disinfectant is mostly in the healthcare sector for easy and convenient use. If you use a highly concentrated solution on humans, it can cause damages to the respiratory system and skin. So to lower the risk, it is recommended to use a diluted solution.

QUATS-Based disinfectants are beneficial when it comes to addressing the shortages in PPE kits, such as respirators for frontline healthcare workers.

QUATS-Based Disinfectants Are Widely Available:

QUATS-based disinfectants are available with ease and at low prices, due to which they are in high demand at healthcare centers, schools, hospitals, and government properties.

Do Not Ever Mix QUATS-Based Disinfectants With Organic Matter:

If you wish to maintain the effectiveness of the QUATS-based disinfectant, you must not mix them with organic matter. For this basic reason, you should only use it on surfaces (with which the QUATS do not react) such as building railings and floors, etc. It must never be used on skin or any other body parts. Moreover, if you are making use of QUATS-based disinfectant, you must not mix it into hard water, or else you will lose out on the efficacy of the chemicals present in the disinfectant.

Know More About QUATS:

Quaternary ammonium salts or popularly known as QUATS are created when all the hydrogen atoms present in the compounds are replaced. The hydrogen atoms can be replaced by either organic chains or rings. Due to this reason, you can form innumerable quaternary compounds by a combination of four other organic chains or rings.

You might not be aware that QUATS based disinfectants are fungicidal, bactericidal, and virucidal. They are considered to be catalytic in nature and help in killing the pathogens.

Summary:

In the present scenario, it has become inevitable to make use of QUATS-based disinfectants to keep the healthcare environments safe and virus-free. Your best decision would be when you select a disinfectant product that has the potential to destroy all the bacterias and viruses and provide protection against a broad range of pathogens. Despite fighting against the viruses, QUATS usage also poses a health risk leading to respiratory and other issues. But you can resolve this issue by ensuring that the solution of disinfectant is not concentrated. If you are using a QUATS solution with higher concentrations, it will come with increased health warnings.

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