What You Need to Know
COVID-19
The virus that causes the illness known as COVID-19 is called SARS-CoV-2; it is a new (or novel) Coronavirus. As a novel virus right now, there is an extreme lack of testing across all biocides. The EPA maintains a list of products that it suggests are very likely to be effective against SARS-CoV-2, which typically includes products which have demonstrated effectiveness against other Human Coronavirus strains or harder-to-kill viruses. We primarily utilize chemicals on this list maintained by the EPA, and may also use other products with demonstrated efficacy against Human Coronavirus.
Soft Surfaces/Fabrics
The EPA does not certify efficacy for any disinfectant on soft surfaces. Soft surfaces are remarkably hard to disinfect. Where possible, the best option is to have them laundered. This does not mean that treating the material with a disinfectant will have no effect; however, the best course of action is to eliminate soft or porous surfaces from your public spaces. This includes upholstered chairs and booths.
Viral Transfer
Many viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, are known to transfer via contact (as well as via droplets, i.e., from a cough or sneeze). Contact transmission is particularly dangerous, as SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to stay on hard, non-porous surfaces for up to 72 hours. That means that it is possible for a sick customer to infect people who visit your establishment for up to 3 days after they have coughed on a surface. Shopping baskets, tables, chairs, door handles, service counters, and hand railings are all potential vectors of transmission, and should be sanitized with a continuous-acting product. This will help reduce the chance of these surfaces spreading SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens.
Quats
When we use “Quats,” or quaternary ammonium compounds, these chemicals have continuous activity after they have dried. The concentration of these compounds typically required by the manufacturer for demonstrated effectiveness versus Human Coronavirae require rinse and wipe of food-contact surfaces.
Peroxide
This one of the primary disinfectants that we use. Peroxide is extremely effective at killing viruses and bacteria, however they are not continuous-acting. They are a great choice to disinfect a space immediately. while our electrostatic spray system reduces the amount of chemical required and minimizes the risk, peroxides may bleach certain surfaces, particularly fabrics, and if you select use of this chemical, you accept responsibility for any discoloration of fabrics or surfaces.
Silver Citrate
This is our recommended chemical for most surfaces. It is continuous-acting, and labeled to provide 24 hours of activity. This treatment is food-contact safe, without rinse, in the concentration used.
Ask us about our demonstration to show you just how many surfaces get touched regularly in your establishment.
Disclaimers
Alpha Decon cannot prevent person-to-person transmission of COVID19. Nobody can guarantee that customers will not transmit the virus (or any other pathogen) to each other. We apply chemicals that provide a layer of protection to surfaces, helping to ensure that a sick customer will not leave a harmful pathogen on a surface to infect other customers later. No treatment can be 100% effective against transmission of disease.
The primary active ingredients in the chemicals we use are Hydrogen Peroxide and silver citrate. Hydrogen Peroxide usually won’t, but can discolor fabrics. You accept all responsibility for discolored fabrics or other bleaching effects the peroxide may have, if you chose to use this treatment. Citric acid may have a similar bleaching effect on certain surfaces, and may cause pitting in masonry. Our typical application does not cause issues, but depending on the masonry itself it is possible for discoloration, pitting, and bubbles to occur.