Unique chlorine dioxide release technology from Engelhard (NYSE:EC) has been awarded its eighth registration by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for fighting microbial contamination.
Engelhard Aseptrol chlorine dioxide release agent will now be available to dentists for eliminating contamination in dental unit water lines, such as ultrasonic scaler and air/water syringe lines used during dental surgery, cleaning and other procedures.
“This versatile technology continues to gain acceptance in an expanding range of markets and applications,” said Michael Cochran, Engelhard’s global sales and marketing manager for Aseptrol. “Along with our successful entry into the dental market, we are continuing an active research program to develop other high-value industrial and consumer applications.”
Chlorine dioxide has been used as an effective antimicrobial and deodorizer in industrial applications for many years. However, this powerful biocide could not be generated without incurring significant capital and operating costs, which made it impractical for small-scale applications.
Aseptrol enables chlorine dioxide to be released at precise rates and in controlled concentrations when it comes into contact with water or moisture in the air.
The technology is available in tablets, powders and sachets, enabling cost effective and portable chlorine dioxide delivery.
In addition to dental applications, the EPA also has granted Aseptrol registrations for: water purification; mold control in swimming pool and other home applications; sanitization of hard, nonporous surfaces and utensils that contact food in processing plants, breweries, bottling plants, restaurants and other food-handling establishments; use against tuberculosis, HIV and many other pathogens in hospitals, medical offices and health-related facilities; and use against animal viruses in veterinary, lab animal science and biomedical research facilities.
The patented technology has been used to purify water for the U.S. military in Iraq and victims of the recent tsunami disaster in Asia.
Engelhard Corporation is a surface and materials science company that develops technologies to improve customers’ products and processes. A Fortune 500 company, Engelhard is a world-leading provider of technologies for environmental, process, appearance and performance applications. For more information, visit Engelhard on the Internet at www.engelhard.com.