Scientific Facts About Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl)

Not all chlorine species are equally effective as disinfectants. Many studies have explored the mechanism of chlorine disinfection and although it is not possible to explain precisely how each particular chlorine species works, current theory believes that inactivation occurs by means of one or more of the following mechanisms: inactivation of the key enzymes; disruption of nucleic acids rendering them non-functional; and oxidative damage to cell walls or other vital cell components. For each of the mechanisms described above the effectiveness of each disinfecting agent is a function of both its rate of diffusion through the cell wall and it reactivity with the cell wall, proteins and nucleic acid.

Hypochlorous acid is the most effective disinfectant in the chlorine family available in dilute solution

Hypochlorous Acid (HOCL): harnessing nature’s germ killer

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is the perfect weapon to fight germs. It hits hard against pathogens like Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus and Pseudomonas Aeroginosa. Yet this powerful weapon is 100 percent safe for humans, chemical free, non-toxic and all-natural. That’s an impressive combination. It has been used in the medical field for over a century. Before antibiotics were available, HOCl was used to irrigate and disinfect wounds in World War I.  It is now used in everyday settings including daycare centers, hospitals, and even produce sections in grocery stores.

HOCl is a weak acid that occurs naturally in our body. Neutrophils are white blood cells that are the first to arrive on site when an invading pathogen is detected. Neutrophils will chase down and engulf the pathogen through phagocytosis. Upon contact, neutrophils release a burst of bactericidal chemicals including its most powerful oxidizing agent, HOCl. This kills the pathogen by tearing down the cell membranes and proteins.  

Killing germs

As you are aware, we have other strong disinfectant agents at our disposal. Bleach is widely used in hospitals and medical practices and shares the same chlorine family as HOCl. Research shows that they both kill bacteria, fungus, spores, and viruses. Yet bleach is highly irritating to the eyes, skin, and lungs-and inhalation over long periods could be carcinogenic.  In contrast, HOCl has a temporary and mild chlorine smell that dissipates quickly, it is non-irritating, and it does not have poisonous side effects.

Alcohol is a popular disinfectant to use in clinic for wiping down instruments, furniture, and is a key ingredient in hand sanitizers. Ethyl alcohol (70%) is considered more effective compared to isopropyl alcohol. Both are bactericidal, fungicidal, and viricidal but are not effective against bacterial spores.3

Hand sanitizers with alcohol are used daily in many medical offices, but over time repeated use may lead to hand dermatitis. I became allergic to hand sanitizers after using it for many months in clinic. It was extremely irritating and embarrassing to have a rash on my hands. After discontinuing hand sanitizers and using latex free gloves, it still took months for my hand dermatitis to resolve. In one study, the prevalence of contact dermatitis related to hand hygiene ranged from 25 to 55 percent.  Fortunately, HOCl acid can also be used in place of hand sanitizer with no irritating side effects. Moreover, punch HOCL delivers to pathogens is more powerful than the one delivered by alcohol.

Manufucturing HOCl

If hypochlorous acid is such a powerful weapon against germs, why isn’t it more widely used? There are a couple of reasons, one being the cost to manufacturers. HOCl was very cost prohibitive until recently. Also, HOCl is stable for only a very short time before it became saltwater.  Technology has corrected this problem over the years and now, HOCl can remain stable for years and it is less costly to create.

There are currently three different ways to synthesize HOCl. It is highly unstable when isolated in pure form and therefore can only exist in solution. One method to create HOCl is to electrolyze water and sodium chloride. However, this method can be tricky to manufacture. The easiest method is the acidification of hypochlorite (HCl), a chemical also used in manufacturing bleach and is readily commercially available. The most difficult method is to add gaseous chlorine to induce hydrolysis. It requires the use of chlorine gas, a highly toxic chemical that is problematic to manipulate.

Hypo-say what now? What is hypochlorous acid?

Hypochlorous acid is nature’s oldest disinfectant, and it happens to be walking around in about 7.5 billion people right now. As in inside all humans, this very moment. Why? It’s the substance your white blood cells produce to fight off infections. It’s also the active ingredient in electrolyzed water, which is an industrial technology used for green cleaning and sanitizing. Electrolyzed water is made when electricity is used to change the chemical structure of salt, water & vinegar into a green cleaner as effective as bleach, but with no harmful chemicals, fumes or residues.

How is hypochlorous acid made?

To make hypochlorous acid is pretty simple chemistry. Start with precisely the correct proportions of three ingredients: salt, water and vinegar. You may remember that a salt molecule is made up of the elements sodium and chloride (NaCl) and a water molecule is made up of hydrogen and oxygen (H2O). When an electrical current is applied to the solution, the molecules break apart and the elements form two new molecules:

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl)

Nature’s super powerful disinfectant, and also the ingredient that gives bleach its anti-microbial power. When the pH of the solution is lowered to the correct level, HOCl is created, exactly the same substance that is your immune system’s germ fighter. So when you take your child to that indoor play area/petrie dish – your white blood cells get to work creating hypochlorous acid.

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)

A common detergent used at different concentrations in everything from toothpaste to skin moisturizers to cleaning products. Because concentration levels vary so widely across products, so do toxicity levels.

Healthcare & medical uses of hypochlorous acid

Hypochlorous acid is so gentle that it has several uses in the healthcare and medical space. It’s FDA approved for use in wound healing, wound care and eye care products and is also common in veterinary care products. It’s even used to eradicate biofilm. There has been extensive research on the gentleness and efficacy of HOCl when it comes to killing bacteria. It is so trusted and effective, that hospitals use it as a disinfectant in both the US and Japan.

Hypochlorous acid for disinfecting

Given how effective it is at killing microbes without leaving behind harmful residues, hypochlorous acid is also used for preserving fresh produce. It’s even USDA approved for use in organic crop production. At Force of Nature, we’ve harnessed the power of hypochlorous acid by miniaturizing the industrial-grade electrolyzed water technology to fit on your countertop. Our small appliance with its patented electrolyzer transforms tap water, plus  a capsule of salt, water and vinegar into a powerful multipurpose cleaner, disinfectant and deodorizer that replaces bleach, deodorizers, kitchen, bath, glass and even rug cleaners. Really! It’s just as effective as the top conventional cleaners, but with zero toxic chemicals. It’s EPA-approved for fighting Covid-19 and Green Seal certified.

HOCl is one disinfectant that, when combined with adequate personal protective equipment, screening and social-distancing techniques, hand washing, and high-volume evacuation suction, may help reduce the transmission of COVID-19 in the outpatient OMS setting. It comprises many of the desired effects of the ideal disinfectant: It is easy to use, is inexpensive, has a good safety profile, and can be used to disinfect large areas quickly and with a broad range of bactericidal and virucidal effects.