Disinfection potential of electrolyzed solutions containing sodium chloride at low concentrations

Electrolyzed products of sodium chloride solution were examined for their d isinfection potential against hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodefic iency virus (HIV) in vitro. Electrolysis of 0.05% NaCl in tap water was car ried out for 45 min at room temperature using a 3 A electric current in sep arate wells installed with positive and negative electrodes. The electrolyz ed products were obtained from the positive well. The oxidation reduction p otential (ORP), pH and free chlorine content of the product were 1053 mV, p H 2.34 and 4.20 ppm, respectively. The products modified the antigenicity o f the surface protein of HBV as well as the infectivity of HIV in time- and concentration-dependent manner. Although the inactivating potential was de creased by the addition of contaminating protein, recycling of the product or continuous addition of fresh product may restore the complete disinfecti on against bloodborne pathogens. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science B.V . All rights reserved.