An organic farmer in Washington State currently uses diluted bleach, (sodium hypochlorite) to sanitize the plastic containers shown below, which are used for transport of organic produce from farm to processing stations. They also use a bucket of diluted bleach, mixed at the point of use or need, for washing down and sanitizing processing surfaces. He wants a safer sanitizing product.
Sodium hypochlorite is an effective sanitizer when used at proper dilution rates and full dwell times are followed. Other common sanitizers contain quaternary ammonium compounds (aka “quats”), although these are not used at this farm. A challenge with dilution of concentrates, is ensuring the correct dilution rate to achieve the kill rate required for sanitation. There is also risk of higher exposure for staff performing the task of diluting the concentrated bleach.
There are human health hazards associated with sodium hypochlorite as a sanitizer, and also with quats. Bleach can make asthma worse for those with the disease, or can cause asthma in people who have never had it. Bleach irritates the skin and eyes and respiratory tract. Breathing bleach fumes over a long period of time can increase the risk of cancer. Exposure occurs during manual dilution of concentrated bleach. One more concern with bleach, is that a dangerous gas can form when bleach is combined with certain chemicals (like ammonia or hydrogen peroxide), a highly toxic gas, or an explosive gas is generated, respectively. (New Jersey Department of Health, Undated).
According to a study published in Environmental Science & Technology, quaternary ammonium compounds (or quats), which are used in some sanitizers and disinfectants, are linked to asthma, dermatitis, inflammation, infertility, birth defects, and other health problems (Arnold, 2023). Another source suggests that small doses are unlikely to affect human health, unless workers or consumers are susceptible to asthma brought on by breathing quats and bleach vapors. However, prolonged exposure can cause respiratory problems, headaches, and eye irritation. (Mount Sanai, 2015).
Currently, organic standards require that a bleach-based, or “quat” based sanitizer be rinsed off after the initial spraying. The farmer was hoping to find a safer sanitizer, in a concentrate, that does not require rinsing. PPRC researched the EPA’s Design for Environment (DfE) certification database for possible safer products.
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