Why is Active Oxygen Disinfectants Different from 84 Chlorine-based Disinfectants?
Active oxygen disinfectants and 84 chlorine-based disinfectants (primarily composed of sodium hypochlorite) are two types of chemical disinfectants with entirely different working principles. A detailed comparative analysis shows significant differences in terms of their mechanisms, application scenarios, and advantages and disadvantages as below:
1. Core Working Principles
-Main Components:
Active Oxygen Disinfectants mainly contain active oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, auxiliaries, buffering agents, etc.
84 disinfectant mainly consists of sodium hypochlorite, a compound that releases active chlorine when dissolved in water.
-Mechanism of Action
Active Oxygen Disinfectants typically refer to liquid or solid formulations containing trace amounts of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), peracetic acid (CH₃COOOH), or potassium monopersulfate (KHSO₅), which release active oxygen. These substances decompose in water to produce free oxygen atoms or hydroxyl radicals (·OH), exerting oxidative disinfection.
84 Chlorine-Based Disinfectants involve chlorination and oxidation processes. Hypochlorous acid produced by the decomposition of sodium hypochlorite oxidizes proteins and undergoes chlorination reactions, disrupting enzyme activity and killing microorganisms.
- Post-Disinfection Changes:
Active Oxygen Disinfectants are relatively stable and decompose into oxygen and water at room temperature, leaving no residue.
84 Chlorine-Based Disinfectants leave residual chloride ions, sodium ions, and water, potentially forming trace amounts of organochlorine compounds (e.g., chloroform from reactions with organic matter).
2. Key Comparison of Characteristics
-Spectrum & Efficacy
Active Oxygen Disinfectants are extremely broad-spectrum and highly effective to kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, even effective against microorganisms resistant to chlorine-based disinfectants (e.g., Cryptosporidium oocysts).
84 Chlorine-Based Disinfectants are broad-spectrum and highly effective against most of bacteria, viruses (including hydrophilic viruses like norovirus), and fungi, but requires high concentrations and extended exposure for bacterial spores.
-Form of Action
Active Oxygen Disinfectants do gas diffusion to permeates entire spaces, enable a three-dimensional, gap-free disinfection of both air and surfaces.
84 Chlorine-Based Disinfectants are liquid immersion/wipe. It must be diluted into an aqueous solution and applied via contact; ineffective for air disinfection.
-Corrosiveness & Safety
Active Oxygen Disinfectant removes the typical strong oxidative corrosiveness of ozone disinfection. It is non-corrosive and non-aging to rubber, metals (especially iron and copper), fabrics, and electronics.
84 Chlorine-Based Disinfectants are highly toxic to humans at high concentrations, strongly irritates the respiratory tract. It must be used in unoccupied environments, and requires ventilation after use. It's orrosive and bleaching to metals (especially stainless steel, aluminum) and fabrics. It's irritating to skin and mucous membranes. It never mixes with acidic substances (e.g., toilet cleaners) to avoid producing toxic chlorine gas.
-Environmental Impact & Residue
Active Oxygen Disinfectants are highly environmentally friendly. it decomposes into oxygen, leaving no residue and causing no environmental pollution.
For 84 Chlorine-Based Disinfectants, residual chlorine may be toxic to aquatic life, and organochlorine compounds are potential environmental pollutants.
-Deodorizing Ability
Active Oxygen Disinfectants has extremely strong ability of deodorizing. It oxidatively decomposes odor molecules like formaldehyde, hydrogen sulfide, and ammonia, converting them into odorless substances for complete deodorization.
84 Chlorine-Based Disinfectants need masking due to partial reaction. Chlorine gas itself has a strong odor that can mask some smells and react with certain odor molecules (e.g., ammonia).
3. Applications
Active Oxygen Disinfectants
(1) Space and Air Disinfection: Hospital operating rooms, biological laboratories, food processing facilities, hotel rooms, cold storage, and vehicle interiors.
(2) Water Treatment:Deep purification of drinking water, sterilization and algae removal in swimming pools and aquaculture water.
(3) Food Preservation: Inhibiting mold in cold storage and extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.
(4) Odor Elimination: Completely removing odors from fires, pets, mold, or renovations.
84 Chlorine-Based Disinfectants
(1) Surface and Object Disinfection: Floors, walls, countertops, and bathrooms in hospitals and households.
(2) Contaminant Disinfection: Vomit, secretions, blood spills (requires high concentration).
(3) Utensil Disinfection: Soaking after proper dilution (requires thorough rinsing).
(4) Public Health:** Disinfection of epidemic sites and post-flood environments.
4. Summary and Recommendations
(1) For thorough air and surface disinfection in an enclosed space: Choose active oxygen disinfectants for gas diffusion, gap-free coverage, and air purification.
(2) To eliminate stubborn odors like smoke or mildew in a room: Choose active oxygen disinfectants to oxidatively decompose odor molecules rather than masking them, ensuring complete effectiveness.
(3) For disinfecting precision instruments or valuable items: Choose active oxygen disinfectants for their non-corrosive and residue-free properties.
(4) For disinfection with occupants present or imminent use: Choose active oxygen disinfectants for their non-toxic, harmless, and non-irritating nature, suitable for direct application on humans and animals.
(5) For handling visible contaminants (e.g., vomit, trash bins): Choose 84 disinfectant for its liquid coverage, effectiveness against viruses like norovirus, and quick action.
(6) For routine cleaning of floors and countertops in daily life: Choose 84 disinfectant for its low cost, simplicity, and suitability for routine preventive disinfection.
In practical applications, they are often complementary: use active oxygen disinfectants for terminal high-end disinfection and deep purification, and use 84 disinfectants for daily cleaning and contaminant management.