Factor #1: Understanding Log Kills
When disinfecting a surface or decontaminating a facility, the efficacy of a product is measured by its log reduction, also commonly known as log kills. The term comes from the logarithm scale, which is used to indicate the percentage of bacteria killed. The term “log reduction” indicates a 10-fold reduction, which means that with every step, the number of bacteria present is reduced by 90 percent.
As an example, if there are ten million bacteria particles present on a surface:
How Log-Kill Tests Are Performed
Log kills are measured in a laboratory using time-kill tests. To determine the log reduction, the product is brought into contact with known pathogens for a certain period of time. At specified intervals, samples are removed and neutralized, then the colonies are counted. An untreated sample is also used for comparison and typically water is applied in lieu of a sanitizer. Specimens of the untreated sample are also neutralized at the same time and the bacterial colonies are counted for comparison purposes. The difference between the number of bacteria in the untreated sample versus the treated sample indicates the log-reduction capability of the product being tested.
Because the logarithm scale is being used, the difference in log kills can be dramatic. As an example, a 2-log reduction leaves 100 times more bacteria behind than a 4-log reduction. This might not mean much in some scenarios, but when it comes to First Responder safety, every pathogen left behind presents a risk.
Although you don’t need to be a microbiologist to implement effective sanitation protocols, you do need to understand the importance of log kills. Choosing a product with a greater than 6-log reduction and using it appropriately helps reduce the risk.
Factor #2: Toxicity and Corrosivity
An ideal disinfectant for field applications should have low toxicity and low corrosivity properties so that it does not harm people or property. It should be biodegradable so it does not harm the environment. In addition, an ideal disinfectant should have low odor and off-gassing properties after application so an area can be quickly re-occupied and re-used after operations are complete. Unfortunately, many disinfectants are often toxic, corrosive, and give off strong odors during and after application. These types of disinfectants may require rinsing and/or long ventilation times after use before personnel can re-occupy the area.
Factor #3: Easily Deployed
Decontaminates should have multiple deployment methods (Fog/Mist, Sprayed, Foamed, mopped, other) and it needs to be effective in many scenarios. When deployed using any one of these deployment methods, it should also have the ability to eliminate the contaminant even when it is embedded in soil, organic material and bodily fluids.
With this knowledge, log reduction/kills on product labels takes on new meaning and is critical in choosing the formula for your agency.
Experience the DECON7 difference
D7 is the world’s most effective and safe anti-microbial disinfectant and chemical decontaminant. Originally developed by Sandia National Laboratories for the Department of Defense to neutralize chemical and biological weapons, D7 is powerful yet safe enough to neutralize virtually all chemical, bacteria, viruses, spores, molds, fungus and narcotics. D7 also meets the demands of strict environmental laws and regulatory requirements.
D7 is superior to other products for decontamination applications because of the following reasons:
- The high efficacy of D7 (99.99999%) allows it to completely kill pathogenic organisms including bacteria, viruses, biofilms and fungi as well as for neutralizing highly toxic chemicals whereas other lower efficacy disinfectants are overwhelmed and fail.
- It has very low toxicity and corrosivity properties, low odor (i.e., off-gassing) properties and is biodegradable, making it safe for people and the environment.
- The multiple deployment options of D7 enable it to work in many scenarios both in enclosed and unenclosed spaces. It can be deployed as a fog/mist, liquid spray or fog on a wide variety of materials and surfaces.
- The detergency and low surface tension in D7 allow it to penetrate organic material, bodily fluids, and the lipid envelope enabling it to reach the virus and destroy it whereas most other disinfectants are repelled by these materials and don’t actually reach the virus.
- D7 is safe enough for household use and can also be used as Laundry Detergent
For these reasons, D7 should be your primary choice for decontaminating and disinfecting your ambulances, first responder vehicles, equipment and building.
Emergency DECON Services (EDS) understands the challenges EMS providers face in order to sustain a safe and germ-free environment. That is why we deliver our services using the DECON7 formula. Our professional services include decontaminating, disinfecting and cleaning of:
- Ambulances & First Responder Vehicles
- Stretchers & Stair Chairs
- Equipment & Tools
- Stationhouse, lockers, kitchens, bathrooms, showers, gyms, duct work & more
In addition to our service offerings, we can also provide your agency with the capabilities of decontaminating your own apparatus and equipment with one of our decontamination kits. Our kits include:
- DECON7 formula (Part I, II, III)
- Lafferty Electric powered mixing station
- Compressor (Porter-Cable), 25’ hose w/ Gravity feed gun or Lafferty fogger
- Delivery /set-up / unlimited training
Please contact EDS if you would like additional information on any of our products or services or if you would like a live demonstration on the versatility of DECON7.
