Source: Panasonic
Headline: Active Chlorine Component of Hypochlorous Acid Solution Volatilized in the Air Suppresses Over 99% of RS Viruses
Osaka, Japan – Panasonic Corporation (https://holdings.panasonic/global/) today announced that its Heating & Ventilation A/C Company (hereinafter referred to as Panasonic) verified that the active chlorine component volatilized from the hypochlorous acid solution, produced by electrolysis of salt water, effectively suppresses over 99% of respiratory syncytial viruses (RS viruses) adhered in a space of approx. 25 m3 within 8 hours(*2).
The hypochlorous acid solution is produced through the electrolysis of salt water and demonstrates high efficacy in sterilization and deodorization. Since adopting the hypochlorous acid solution for the hygiene maintenance system of cup-dispensing vending machines in 1987(*3), Panasonic has been researching hypochlorous acid technology for approximately 40 years. The company verified in the past few years that the solution is effective in suppressing viruses, including the influenza virus (H1N1), novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant, and enterovirus and coxsackievirus, which can cause hand-foot-and-mouth disease, as well as herpangina.
RS viruses are major pathogen responsible for bronchiolitis and pneumonia, particularly known for causing severe illness in infants and the elderly. The viruses are primarily transmitted through contact with respiratory secretions from infected individuals or via airborne droplets released during coughing or sneezing. Upon infection, individuals may exhibit symptoms such as fever, nasal discharge, and coughing. In more severe cases, the condition may progress to wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Based on the current verification results, the active chlorine component volatilized from the hypochlorous acid solution is expected to suppress RS viruses adhered to tables, railings, and other objects.
[Figure 1. Infectivity titer of viruses by time elapsed]
■Verification methodTwo cases were verified: one by soaking the rotary sterilization filter in a hypochlorous acid solution of approx. 150 mg/L, exposing the filter to a given amount of wind (3.8 m3/min) to volatilize the active chlorine component, and then exposing RS viruses-attached samples to the volatilized substance; and the other by not exposing the specimens to the active chlorine component (natural attenuation).
■Verification resultsThe effect of suppressing over 99% of RS viruses within 8 hours was confirmed (Figure 1).
*1: Solution made by electrolysis of salt water
*2: These verifications were conducted for basic research purposes and did not involve any products containing the hypochlorous acid solution.
*3: Including the SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.