The high infection risk presented by FHC units results from the waste inside the unit which includes traces left on the lid or the ‘modesty flap’ and the internal surfaces of the unit. These areas provide a breeding ground for pathogenic bacteria which multiply 10 times every hour.
The infectious organisms which are associated with sanitary waste can survive for long periods outside the human body. The most prevalent bacteria associated with feminine waste in sanitary disposal units are Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans.
On a more serious note, microorganisms like Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Hepatitis B and C viruses and Hepatitis A virus may also be found in sanitary waste and could cause serious problems.
The Five Log Drop
In order to fully understand how best to manage bacteria, it may be worthwhile to define ‘Infectious Dose’ and how ‘Log Drop’ v/s the reality of “99.XX% Kill” relates to it.
The levels of bacteria within sanitary waste can be very high: up to one billion (1×109) per gram of waste. This is equivalent to 1×108 bacteria in 1/10th of one gram, or 1×107 for 1/100th of a gram of waste (for comparison, one drop of water weighs 0.05g. (1/20th of a gram). The Infectious Dose (i.e. the number of bacteria that can cause infection) is around 1,000-10,000 (1×103 – 1×104) bacteria for many common skin and gastro-intestinal infections. Therefore, contact with a very small amount of untreated waste, or even contact with a surface where the waste has been, can result in exposure to sufficient bacteria to cause an infection. In order to bring the bacterial levels below the Infectious Dose, it is essential to have a five log drop. This five log drop ensures the 99.999% kill and is projected in the graph below.
If this waste is left untreated, the bacteria could proliferate from 1,000,000 per gram of untreated waste to 100,000,000,000 per gram in six hours. In addition, the bacteria will degrade proteins originating from blood found in the feminine hygiene waste to create foul smelling compounds.
• Amines… rotting fish
• Mercaptans… rotten eggs
• Ammonia… urine odour
In search of excellence, extensive research was carried out by Cannon Hygiene in co-operation with Genesis Bioscience to create a dry product with an easy-to-use delivery system and a reduction in operational cost. The focus was also to move away from liquid systems, thereby improving the environment for workers. After a series of challenging test methodologies developed to verify the efficacy of the product, the germicide B7, better known as “ACTIVAP” was evolved.
The most prevalent bacteria associated with feminine waste in sanitary disposal units are Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. On a more serious note, microorganisms like Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Hepatitis B and C viruses and Hepatitis A virus may also be found in sanitary waste and could cause serious problems.
The active compounds in Biototal 7 (B7 or Activap) have two modes of action:-
• Bacteriocidal Action (kill bacteria).
• Bacteriostatic Action (inhibit bacterial growth)
The active ingredient in Activap has also been confirmed as having good efficacy against the viruses.
The key factor that makes this product unique is its vapour phase action which keeps working throughout the unit, no matter how much waste it contains. Activap is used globally by Cannon Hygiene in its FHC units (sanitary waste collection units). Other products rely on contact with the germicide, thereby severely limiting their effectiveness, Activap vapours permeate throughout the unit, sanitizing every surface, even when the unit is full.
Activap also provides the unit with a natural fragrance derived entirely from the active ingredients without the need for added perfume. Most products attempt to mask odours but Activap’s unique vapour phase anti bacterial system targets odour causing bacteria for long lasting odour prevention.
It minimal impact on the environment it is has been developed with materials which readily get degraded in the environment. It is produced using manufacturing processes having low environmental impact. The active ingredients in Activap are based from plant sources to reduce the affects of harmful waste on the environment.
Appearances could be deceptive…. the sleek look must be accompanied by the correct use of germicide and sterilization of the collection unit to achieve the end result of infection control.
Prashant Sule Managing Director PCI Environmental Services Pvt. Ltd (PCIES)
