antibacterial wipes and shopping carts Best answer on the web
Posted in: darrelrussell.com edit
08 Jan 2009
irritations , but yet would kill most bacteria's found on shopping
carts?
The chart on this page outlines some of the hazards and effectiveness of disinfectants. You will see bleach, in a 10% solution, is the most effective, but is not practical, and it is caustic. Next is chlorine dioxide, which is nor readily available to the general public. Third on the list are phenols (Lysol is a phenol). Notice that for surfaces, most disinfectants need to air dry for several minutes. http://www.umsl.edu/~microbes/pdf/disinfectants.pdf
?The alcohol content of such wipes is key, reported KCRA-TV in Sacramento.
Don't let the words "antibacterial" or "antimicrobial" affect your purchase. Instead, look at the label for the alcohol content. If it is high enough, it will kill viruses on your hands, according to Karin Dentinger, of Kaiser Permanente Infection Control. "What you want to look for is that they're at least 60 percent alcohol-based to be effective," Dentinger said. The most common place a flu virus can spread outside the home is the workplace. A lot of people are also using wipes to clean off their telephones and office equipment, which is also good if the alcohol content is high enough, the television station reported. "Most germ transmission is from someone's hand to an object touched by other people," Grewal said. It could be copy machine buttons, a water fountain, a coffee pot handle or a refrigerator door that helps aid in the transmission. One study found that the flu virus can survive three days on a handle. At Vision Service Plan in Fair Oaks, Calif., the company and its employees are extra careful. In the marketing department, Sean Cooley uses disinfecting wipes to clean his equipment. "With the pace of life and business, I really can't afford to be sick," Cooley said.
Kierstan Delong said she does the same thing.
"I try to do that once or twice a week. That way, I can kind of control the germs that come into my own workspace and hopefully eliminate the spread," Delong said. The company keeps a closet of cleaning products for employees on each floor. Spokesman Pat McNeil said that they clean "the elevator buttons once a day and (wipe) down the bathroom handles three times a day." But the most effective preventive remains hand washing with soap and water, Grewal said.? http://www.thewbalchannel.com/health/3938572/detail.html
?When should I use bleach and when should I use wipes?
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are effective against common kitchen and bathroom germs such as Staph and E-coli and are perfect for fighting the battle against germs throughout the day. They?re quick, easy-to-use and they get the job done. For bigger end-of-day or weekly clean ups, turn to a bleach-based cleaner like Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner with Bleach. You can clean and disinfect in one step, killing germs in just 30 seconds. Bleach kills a broader range of bacteria and viruses and kills germs faster than many non-bleach disinfectants.? http://www.cloroxchildcare.com/childcare/qa.html
?Most of the currently available disinfectant wipes contain a range of isopropanol concentrations in addition to other chemical agents which function primarily as surface cleaners. A commonly encountered problem when using these products is that they evaporate quickly and aren?t able to keep the surfaces wet for the required disinfection contact time. Also, to be effective it?s necessary to use two cloths?one for cleaning and another for disinfecting the surface.? http://www.brooks.af.mil/dis/2QTR05/QA/ic1.htm
?The wipe category has quickly become an important segment of the household cleaner category. Within the past couple of months, both Clorox and Procter & Gamble have introduced similar wipe products which boast convenience and efficacy. P&G spokeswoman Jeannie Tharrington said the benefits of a Mr. Clean Wipe-Up far outweigh those of a sponge or dishrag for several reasons. ?When you are using a dishrag or a sponge, you are really just pushing the germs around and moving them from one surface to another,? she said. ?They?re really just breeding grounds for germs. One billion germs can grow in a sponge in one day.?
Mr. Clean Antibacterial Wipe-Ups feature advanced fiber technology that attracts and locks out dirt and bacteria. After the wipes pull in dirt and bacteria, their extra absorption capacity traps dirt and grease while citric acid effectively kills 99.9% of common household bacteria. As a result, a single, disposable wipe may be used to clean and disinfect multiple surfaces without transferring dirt or bacteria from one surface to another. The wipes come in both kitchen and bath versions in a dispenser intended to be left out on countertops. A starter kit containing 28 wipes retails for about $4 and a refill pack of 28 wipes retails for about $3.
?Clorox Wipes contain polyquaternium technology to free surfaces of dangerous bacteria. ?They are convenient and portable,? said Clorox spokeswoman Sandy Sullivan. ?It?s about cleaning smarter, not harder.? http://www.happi.com/special/apr003.htm
Quaternium allergy certainly exists, but it is a common ingredient in many household products such as shampoos, soaps, make up, papers, and inks. http://www.dermnetnz.org/dermatitis/quaternium-allergy.html
?Grocery Store Appeases Germ Fears
A California grocer addresses germ concerns of consumers by providing antibacterial wipes to decrease bacteria on shopping-cart handles. Gelson?s Markets, a grocery chain based in Encino, contacted a pharmaceutical supplier of antibacterial products to provide a non-allergenic antibacterial wipe to customers concerned with the spread of germs. Bob Stiles, Gelson?s president, told the Los Angeles Times that the initiative was instituted at the request of a health-conscious customer who is ?very concerned about the transference of germs.?
Stiles cautions that the wipes aren?t meant to be a germ-free guarantee. ?If you really stop to think about it, there are so many ways [to pick up germs],? he says, citing the exchange of money at the checkout as an example. The demand for germ protection has increased, and there is no shortage of antibacterial products to meet the need. A July 2000 study in Consumer Reports found that more than 700 antibacterial and disinfectant products were introduced between 1997 and 1999. Before stocking up on antibacterial products, however, consumers should heed the cautions of the American Medical Association: These disinfectants, including convenient hand sanitizer gels, could encourage the growth of resistant microorganisms or eliminate ?good bacteria? needed to fight off germs.? http://www.nehatraining.com/news/customer.html
Alcohol Free Wipes
===================
Clorox Lemon scented disinfecting wipes are alcohol free, containing:
Active Ingredients: Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chlorides 0.145%, Ethylbenzyl Ammonium Chloride 0.145% One-Step Cleaning and Disinfecting
Bleach Free
Quick and Easy Cleaning Everywhere
Kills 99.9% of Bacteria in 30 Seconds!*
Disinfects household kitchen and bathroom bacteria!
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=88870&catid=44910&trx=29384&tab=0#0
Clorox Fresh Scent wipes contain the same ingredients.
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=88869&catid=44910&trx=GFI-0-MWS&trxp1=44910&trxp2=88869&trxp3=1&trxp4=1&btrx=BUY-GFI-0-MWS
?There is a claim on the Clorox Disinfecting Wipes web site that a university study shows that such wipes "kill 99.9 percent of viruses that cause cold and flu, as well as bacteria commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms." The active ingredients in these (and a similar product from Proctor & Gamble) are 0.14% "ALKYL (60%C14, 30%C16, 5%C12, 5%C18) DIMETHYLBENZYL AMMONIUM CHLORIDE" and "ALKYL (68%C12, 32%C14) DIMETHYLETHYLBENZYL AMMONIUM CHLORIDE," according to a filing with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. These compounds are organic-substituted quaternary ammonium chlorides ("quats" in the trade) which have long been known to have bactericidal activity. The "fat-like" organic parts of these molecules turn them into pretty good surfactants, which is the basis of their bactericidal activity. Based on some statements on the Clorox wipes web site, the surface treated with the wipe should be allowed to sit wet for four minutes prior to use.? http://pianoeducation.org/pnohygen.html
Clorox Wipes? Site
http://cloroxdisinfectingwipes.com/
?Clorox Disinfecting Wipes- These pre-moistened wipes come in a pop-up container, and are designed for one-step cleaning and disinfecting. The package label states: "Kills bathroom and kitchen bacteria (Staphylococcus and Salmonella) on hard, non-porous surfaces. Wipe surface to be disinfected, allow to remain wet for 10 minutes, and let dry. For highly soiled surfaces, clean excess dirt first." Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are bleach-free. The active ingredients (0.145%) are part of the class of compounds known as quarternary ammonium compounds- the type of compounds found in Lysol cleaners. These compounds are effective antibacterial cleaners, but unlike bleach-based cleaners, they do need to sit on the surface for a period of time to be effective. Quarternary cleaners leave a residue on surfaces that inhibits bacterial growth for an extended period of time. I purchased ones at ShopKo, $3.29 for 40 wipes (7"x8").? http://www.wisc.edu/foodsafety/consumer/food_facts_archive/foodfacts_2000/foodfacts_may_2000.htm
Mr. Clean Wipes
?Mr. Clean Wipe-Ups- These pre-moistened wipes come in a rectangular container and are also designed to clean and disinfect. The package label states: "Mr. Clean Wipe-Ups are the quick and effective way to clean and disinfect. Mr. Clean Wipe-Ups remove 99.9% of household bacteria. The antibacterial formula cleans and disinfects in one step?Wipe surface with towelette for 30 seconds and allow to dry. Disinfection will be complete within 10 minutes. For highly soiled surfaces, clean before disinfecting." The active ingredient in Wipe-Ups is citric acid (1.5%). This is the acid associated with orange, grapefruit and lemon juice. At high concentrations, citric acid may kill bacteria, or at least injure bacterial cells. The front of the package states (in small letters)- Limited disinfectant. You can rely on citric acid to remove grease, grime, and fingerprints, but other disinfectants (bleach, quarternary ammonium compounds) will do a better job against bacteria. I purchased Wipe-Ups at ShopKo, $3.69 for 28 wipes (6.7"x11").? http://www.wisc.edu/foodsafety/consumer/food_facts_archive/foodfacts_2000/foodfacts_may_2000.htm
Fresh Cleanse Wipes
100 wipes per box $14.00
?Fresh Cleanse "singles" are a quick and convenient way to sanitize your hands, eliminating virtually 100% of bacteria, and moisturizing your skin at the same time. Fresh Cleanse is alcohol free and contains botanical oils and skin emollients which leave your skin feeling soft and smooth while it also aids in the healing of minor cuts and scrapes. The Fresh Cleanse formula complies with FDA protocols and qualifies as a Health Care Personnel Handwash and First-Aid Antiseptic. Fresh Cleanse continues to demonstrate antibacterial effectiveness long after use.? http://www.freshcleanse.com/store/index.html
?Fresh Cleanse is the result of many years of sleuthing and trial by Professor Edward Walker and Doug Warren, President and CEO of First Scientific, Inc.. They formulated the proprietary solution that destroys bacteria in 15 seconds by breaking up the cell wall that all bacteria (by definition) have. As the fastest laboratory tests specified by the FDA take 30 seconds to run, 99.999% of the bacteria were dead by the time the 30 seconds had elapsed. Since there were several million colonies of bacteria to start, we can more than likely assume that all were, indeed, destroyed. After the FDA mandated testing, the formula was built into towelettes, gel, and spray (see price list) all of which provide the same unequaled bacteriostatic power demonstrated by those FDA tests. To our knowledge, there is no other nonalcohol bacteriocidal product on the market today, and if there were, it would not have the comparable bacteria destroying characteristics of Fresh Cleanse . There are a number of products on the market, however, that claim to be antibacterial (soaps, lotions, etc.). Some of these products rely upon ineffective agents that do not even appear on the FDAs list of antimicrobial active ingredients. Fresh Cleanse is the dependable personal product that wipes out bacteria instantly without alcohol.?
http://www.freshcleanse.com/wipes/tests_wipes.htm
PCMX wipes
http://www.germdefense.com/pawshandwipes.html
PCMX ?PCMX exhibits a unique combination of antimicrobial and preservative properties which make it an effective nontoxic germicidal base for many antiseptic applications. It can be incorporated into medicated powders, soaps, sanitizers and antidandruff shampoos. PCMX also finds extensive use as a preservative and fungicide in glues, paints, textiles, paper products, cosmetics and polishes.? http://www.jxgreen.com/px-en.htm
These are probably overkill:
100 wipes for $2.14
Provide bactericidal and cleansing action for both hospital and personal use. Each citrus-scented, crepe towelette is saturated with Benzalkonium Chloride 1:250. NO ALCOHOL. Solution contains 0.4% BZK. Size: 5? x 7?, fan folded. http://www.allmed.net/catalog/item/134/274
National Towelettes: This brand may be TOO strong, as they are intended for industrial use. Strong active ingredients ensure surface is thoroughly cleansed including sinks, countertops, toilets, showers, and workbenches Non-alcohol formula
Kills germs, especially those found in bathrooms, sinks, offices, and a wide variety of work surfaces EPA Registered
Kills e-coli
Kills salmonella
Large 7"x8" towel dimension handles any size cleaning job
Extra-strong non-woven wiper absorbs while it disinfects
Wiper is 5 times stronger than Clorox or Lysol
Fresh Citrus scent makes cleaning enjoyable
Extra strong for soiled surfaces including industrial applications
Pre-moistened and ready-to-use for quick and convenient disinfection
http://www.towelettes.com/products/disinfectant.asp
======================================================
Wet Ones contain alcohol
http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=16020013
Wet Ones
?Active Ingredients
Benzethonium Chloride (0.30%)
Inactive Ingredients
Water; SD Alcohol 40; Propylene Glycol; Aloe Barbadensis Gel; Glycerin; PEG-60 Lanolin; Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate; Potassium Sorbate; Citric Acid; Disodium EDTA; Fragrance " http://hocks.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=HOP&Product_Code=4178695
Additional Information
========================
Efficacy of antibacterial wipes
http://www.scienceinthebox.com/en_UK/research/efficiencyofantibac_en.html
Anti-anti-microbials
http://www.checnet.org/healthehouse/education/articles-detail.asp?Main_ID=121
Grocery Carts
http://www.dailyping.com/archive/2004/03/21/
Natural (And not)Homemade Wipes:
http://forums.naturalparenting.com.au/archive/index.php/t-5450.html
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/00/001120a.cfm
It sounds like the Clorox wipes, which are used in many schools and libraries, or Fresh Cleanse wipes would be your best bet. I can?t find any real information about allergic reactions to antibacterial wipes, though I did include some information on ingredient allergy. As long as the cart handle has dried before the child touches it, allergy or burning of the eyes is unlikely. Practically speaking, two plain alcohol swabs would be the most effective antimicrobial cleaner. Use the second wipe to clean over the first one, and let air dry. I like the idea, found on one of the sites above, of using the two wipe method. The first does the mechanical cleaning, wiping away dirt and grime. The second wipe can then disinfect more efficiently.
There you go. I hope this is the information you were seeking. If any part of my answer is unclear, please request an Answer Clarification, before rating. This will enable me to assist you further, if possible.
Regards, Crabcakes
Search Terms
Antibacterial wipes + alcohol free
Antibacterial wipes + safety
Disinfectant wipes + alcohol free
Disinfectant comparisons
LJ
I'm a little confused. Are these wipes for personal use when visiting the grocery store? Why would the grocery manager be concerned which kind of wipes you use if it is for your personal use? Alcohol wipe residue dries within seconds, so I would have little to no concern about a child getting alcohol in their eyes.
Some of the non-acohol wipes I have found are intended for health care and industrial use, and as such would need to be bought in large quantities. Do you plan on making a large purchase for a store or for an individual use?
As far as causing an allergic reaction, the first thing one would need to know is what the person using them is allergic to!
Thank you. Regards, Crabcakes
I was in a local grocery store this afternoon, and noticed they had a rack of Clorox brand wipes, in both green and yellow containers, in the foyer. The wipes display had a large sign stating "Free wipes for cart handles". I'd never seen this before, and I believe I took notice because of your question!
Regards, Crabcakes