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Author: Steve Cooper, SVP of R&D at ByoPlanet
On a typical day, the average person spends up to 90% of their day indoors. From home to work to school to the grocery store and everywhere in between, a roof over your head signals that you’re breathing recycled, recirculated air — and, unfortunately, it’s probably not the cleanest. Generally speaking, the air quality in most buildings contains anywhere from two to five times more pollutants than the fresh air you breathe outdoors.
For better or worse, most of us are used to the quality of indoor air — but that doesn’t mean we don’t deserve better. Processes like electrostatic spraying are a critical tool in the battle against poor-quality indoor air, but only if the disinfectant sprayed is healthy and safe to both people and the environment.
Enter hypochlorous acid (HOCI).
To understand HOCI and its proven potential to improve the quality of the air we breathe, we first need to understand the impact of poor indoor air quality.
What is sick building syndrome?
“Sick building syndrome” (SBS) is an affliction closely tied to indoor air quality — and it’s become a concern for many businesses and school administrators as they navigate the post-COVID return to the office and school. SBS refers to a range of symptoms including headaches, fatigue, respiratory issues, and brain fog, to name a few.
These symptoms take a toll on health and well-being. There’s a wide body of research illustrating how poor air quality can impair concentration, diminish memory retention, and increase stress levels among employees. That applies to students, too, as poor indoor air quality at home impairs their sleep, which can affect their productivity and cognitive functions and harm their learning and grades. All this simply from breathing suboptimal air.
In great part due to the recent pandemic, there remains an acute awareness of continued cleanliness and sterilization practices. People are conscious of how the air they breathe makes them feel, and more and more states are funding HVAC and other IAQ-related system upgrades in schools and other institutions as the demand for better air-handling practices grows more urgent. As organizations explore the efficacy of HEPA filters, UV treatment, electrostatic spraying, and other forms of sterilization, they are also discovering the health and safety benefits of HOCl.
What is HOCl?
In its natural form, HOCl is a compound produced by white blood cells in the human body to promote healing and target viruses and bacteria. The good news is, it’s a compound that can be replicated by running saltwater through an electrolysis process. When done properly, this process results in an extremely effective disinfectant or all-purpose cleaner with a triple-zero hazard rating. Noncorrosive, nonbleaching, and pH neutral, HOCl can be used safely in electrostatic sprayers and foggers.
HOCI clearly represents tremendous potential for cleaner, fresher air. But what distinguishes it from other sanitization and sterilization products?
The antimicrobial capabilities of HOCI come from its ability to penetrate pathogens and break down essential components, thereby neutralizing them. Specifically, HOCI oxidizes proteins, breaks down nucleic acids, disrupts cell membranes, and deactivates enzymes — all of which remove pathogens from the air. No masking, and no toxic chemicals added to the air. Its power lies in its organic reaction to the irritants themselves.
Hypochlorous acid is proven safe for humans and animals when used appropriately. And unlike most other disinfectants, it does not leave behind toxic residues or require rinsing.
Addressing airborne irritants
The catalysts of SBS vary, from viruses, bacteria, and allergens to odors and even the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by traditional disinfectant cleaners themselves. Disinfectants, such as the Clean Republic brand from ByoPlanet, provide a healthier alternative to traditional disinfectant options. With no harsh chemicals or toxic fumes, this HOCl-based formula provides performance-grade cleaning that’s not only effective, but safe. Without introducing VOCs into the environment, Clean Republic disinfectants go beyond masking the irritants that cause SBS to actively eliminating airborne contaminants, including:
- Allergens: Pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander
- Germs: Bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens
- Odors: Chemicals, VOCs, and food-related smells
A healthier clean for all
It’s important to mention that while any number of irritants are present in the air we breathe, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) itself does not regulate indoor air quality. With no enforceable standard to follow, each organization is responsible for its buildings’ indoor air quality and the safety and health of the people inside.
ByoPlanet stands firm in our commitment to improve indoor air quality through cutting-edge technologies and high-performing products that help people live their healthiest lives — and that includes both our powerfully effective HOCI products applied via our advanced electrostatic spraying equipment.
By promoting a higher standard of air cleanliness and reducing airborne allergens, germs, and odors, we’re helping set a new standard in air quality — one promoting cognitive and physical health, reduced illness, increased productivity, and an uplifted sense of well-being for all.
To learn more about our innovative technologies and high-performing products that safeguard the well-being of people, animals, and the environment, visit ByoPlanet.com or contact us directly at customerservice@byoplanet.com today.
