Electrostatic Disinfection Technology

Most surface areas are neutral (uncharged) or negative. Electrostatic application for surface disinfection is a method of applying disinfectants to a target surface area by utilizing the electrostatic force of attraction. Simply put, the electrostatic system places an electrical charge on the droplets and disperses them across a target surface area, providing a comprehensive, even coverage. This provides a consistent and uniform coverage in which the droplets adhere to vertical, horizontal, and three-dimensional surfaces (“wraps” around the target area). As proven in the agriculture and automotive industries, this electrostatic application process takes less time to achieve the desired effect, while substantially reducing chemical costs. Most surface areas are neutral (uncharged) or negative. Electrostatic application for surface disinfection is a method of applying disinfectants to a target surface area by utilizing the electrostatic force of attraction. Simply put, the electrostatic system places an electrical charge on the droplets and disperses them across a target surface area, providing a comprehensive, even coverage. This provides a consistent and uniform coverage in which the droplets adhere to vertical, horizontal, and three-dimensional surfaces (“wraps” around the target area). As proven in the agriculture and automotive industries, this electrostatic application process takes less time to achieve the desired effect, while substantially reducing chemical costs.

Research has shown that microorganisms can survive on surfaces for days, weeks, and even months, and can be hidden from current spray and wipe methods. Using electrostatic technology provides effective, proven, safe, and comprehensive surface coverage and eliminates cross-contamination of dangerous pathogens. Regarding COVID-19, the virus can last on surfaces for several hours or even days.

Electrostatically-applied disinfectant droplets do not suspend or linger in the air. These electrically charged droplets are super-attracted to their opposites. Subsequently, applied disinfectants can better accomplish their stated efficacy rates (with proper dwell times and adherence to EPA chemical recommendations).

In both third party testing and real-world settings, clinical studies have shown electrostatic application methodology can provide efficacy and significant improvements within environmental services terminal cleaning procedures. In the American Journal of Infection Control, a study for decontaminating the operating room environment was presented. It was found that using persistent technology with quaternary ammonium and trichloromelamine solution using a 40-micron electrostatic applicator will significantly reduce colony-forming units (CFUs) remaining after standard terminal cleaning (Sutton, 2015). A study performed in the laboratory setting with an 85-micron electrostatic applicator utilizing a hydrogen peroxide and silver-based product for efficacy against S. Aureus, P. Aeruginosa, MRSA, and C. Difficile showed an average of 99.999% reduction of vegetative bacteria (S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and MRSA) and an average 99% reduction of spore-forming bacteria (C. difficile) as labeled on the product for surfaces. Other healthcare system studies have shown a significant decrease in hospital re-admission rates, turnaround times for patient discharge/transfer rooms, chemical consumption, and in labor.
Research has shown that microorganisms can survive on surfaces for days, weeks, and even months, and can be hidden from current spray and wipe methods. Using electrostatic technology provides effective, proven, safe, and comprehensive surface coverage and eliminates cross-contamination of dangerous pathogens. Regarding COVID-19, the virus can last on surfaces for several hours or even days.

Electrostatically-applied disinfectant droplets do not suspend or linger in the air. These electrically charged droplets are super-attracted to their opposites. Subsequently, applied disinfectants can better accomplish their stated efficacy rates (with proper dwell times and adherence to EPA chemical recommendations).

In both third party testing and real-world settings, clinical studies have shown electrostatic application methodology can provide efficacy and significant improvements within environmental services terminal cleaning procedures. In the American Journal of Infection Control, a study for decontaminating the operating room environment was presented. It was found that using persistent technology with quaternary ammonium and trichloromelamine solution using a 40-micron electrostatic applicator will significantly reduce colony-forming units (CFUs) remaining after standard terminal cleaning (Sutton, 2015). A study performed in the laboratory setting with an 85-micron electrostatic applicator utilizing a hydrogen peroxide and silver-based product for efficacy against S. Aureus, P. Aeruginosa, MRSA, and C. Difficile showed an average of 99.999% reduction of vegetative bacteria (S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and MRSA) and an average 99% reduction of spore-forming bacteria (C. difficile) as labeled on the product for surfaces. Other healthcare system studies have shown a significant decrease in hospital re-admission rates, turnaround times for patient discharge/transfer rooms, chemical consumption, and in labor.

As the demand continues for improvements in the infection prevention and control industry for HAIs by regulatory agencies, technologies will be sought after to provide cost-effective solutions that make surface disinfection faster and more comprehensive. Electrostatic application is one of the technologies that has emerged as a viable solution due to its ability to apply water-soluble chemistry (established efficacy through EPA labeling).

The Main Challenge for Facilities is Time, Appropriate Usage of Technology, Ongoing Educational Training for Their Staff on Implementation of Procedures and Protocols (Lyles, 2016).

Proper cleaning and disinfecting of environmental surfaces is a proven defense against the spread of infection. Using electrostatic infection control systems in conjunction with standardized protocols and procedures for proper surface disinfection can help meet these challenges.

Electrostatic application systems provide the end-user with the ability to solve many of the problems that are present in current methods of disinfection. They reduce the time needed for proper disinfection, provide comprehensive coverage, use less disinfectant, and are easy to operate and maintain.

The infection prevention and control industry is searching for a viable solution to the threats posed by pathogens. The use of electrostatic application systems, combined with proper cleaning and disinfecting procedures, may be a viable solution.