Combat Divers
Effects when used by divers in cleaning re-breather sets As a result of the health concerns expressed by the combat divers, a toxicological review to determine its suitability for continued use of re-breather sets was done. The aim was to assess the health hazards of using re-breathers, as well as, assess the capability of disinfectants to kill the full spectrum of biological contaminants (bacterial, viral, and fungal) to which divers might be exposed.
Guided by the health concerns - Especially, the health risks posed from any residue present within the counter lung after cleaning. Another major consideration in the assessment of a disinfectant is its compatibility with system components. (does not degrade the equipment).
ViralFx™ meeting criteria specifications
ViralFx™ does not have a vapour phase which was a concern for the divers, and the product is considered a non-irritant at its working concentration of 1% . Independent testing to evaluate the acute effects of inhalation (4-hrs at 5.5% w/v dilution with de-ionized water) indicated no pathological abnormalities or histopathology to rats, and exposure to product components was not found to be associated with a risk of occupational asthma nor were they found to present toxic effects to animals.
The product has been extensively tested and proven to be a broad spectrum disinfectant, considered bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal and a tuberculocide when used at its intended working concentration of 1% for a minimum soaking time of 10 minutes.
The product is not inactivated by detergents or hard water, but may leave a residue if recommended decontamination procedures are not followed. If the product is used as prescribed by the manufacturer, ViralFx™ is not deleterious to the health or equipment of divers and it is effective against microorganisms to which the divers may be exposed. This product is therefore recommended for use.
| Health Hazards | Microorganism killing ability (Efficacy) | Effects on Equipment |
|---|---|---|
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Powder form: Inhalation may cause coughing, choking or wheezing. Moderately irritating to eyes and skin. Chronic exposure effects have not been established. A 100% powder solution considered a moderate irritant. No associated risk of occupational asthma as a result of exposure to ViralFx™ components. No abnormalities or histopathology reported on acute inhalation in rats. Chronic exposure effects have not been established. Liquid solution: 1% ViralFx™ solution is considered a non-irritant to skin and eyes. No vapour phase to ViralFx™: chemistry of ViralFx™ defines that no vapour can be given off. Approved by APVMA, Australia as a surface sanitizer, No. 65691/51590. |
Virus: 1% ViralFx™ completely destroys Hepatitis B with complete loss of infectivity immediately after contact. Effective against enveloped and nonenveloped viruses, and completely inactivates Measles, Yellow Fever, West Nile, Rift Valley Fever and Polio viruses in 10 minutes. Bacteria: Kills Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia Coli and Bacillus subtilis in 22 seconds with 1% ViralFx™. 1% ViralFx™ also kills Enterococcus feacalis, andMycobacterium tuberculosis in 10 minutes. 1% ViralFx™ is bactericidal on 30 strains of Gram-Negative aerobic bacteria, 20 strains of Gram-Positive aerobic bacteria, 20 strains of anaerobic bacteria in 5 min or less. Herpes Simplex Virus inactivated with 1% ViralFx™ (time unkown). Fungi: ViralFx™ 1% is fungicidal on 20 strains of fungi in 5 minutes or less. Kills Candida Albicans with 1% ViralFx™ in 10 min. |
If used correctly ViralFx™ will not damage equipment, if immersion is limited to no more than 10 minutes. Long-term immersion will lead to corrosion or damage to metal |