Hi Mary4,
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
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