Highlights

GK-GermKiller^® GK Air™, GK-GermKiller^® GK Surface™ and GK-GermKiller^® GK Concentrate™ have been tested against actual SARS-Cov-2 strain identified as “Isolate USA-WA1/2020” which was isolated from an oropharyngeal swab of a COVID-19 patient in the USA. To ensure the testing adhered to internationally-accepted protocols, the US EPA product performance test guideline ASTM E1053 (2) was implemented by a certified US laboratory. The GK-GermKiller^® products have shown excellent efficacy against Covid-19 virus.

These results remain valid for all mutated Covid-19 virus strains identified. This includes the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron Variant. In line with the advisory of the US EPA1, the US CDC2, and the European CDC3, genetic changes to the virus do not impact the efficacy of disinfectants.

On 26th November 2021, the World Health Organization classified omicron as a variant of concern. It was first detected in South Africa and the available information regarding this variant is rapidly changing. Omicron is not the first variant of COVID-19 virus. Viruses constantly change through mutation and new variants emerge as a result of these mutations. Some variants spread more easily and quicker than other variants, which may lead to an increase in COVID-19 cases. A variant will be considered a Variant of Concern (VOC) based on how easily the variant spreads, how severe the symptoms are, how the variant responds to treatments, and how effective vaccines protect against the variant. Below is a table to summarise the currently identified variants of concern (VOCs)4.

GK-GermKiller^®’s ability to kill COVID-19 is related to the chemical make-up of the virus as it chemically inactivates viruses. The difficulty of inactivating a virus depends on its physical features and the recent variants of Covid-19 still possess the basic physical properties of being an enveloped virus. The lipid envelope that surrounds the COVID-19 virus and all other enveloped viruses can be easily attacked by GK-GermKiller^® due to the optimised formulation with the active ingredient. The virus will therefore be inactivated regardless of the changes of the amino acids (as shown in the table above) on the surface of the viruses. In other words, despite having mutated variations in the surface structure, the different COVID-19 variants remain powerless against GK-GermKiller’s chemical attack.

Methods of COVID-19 prevention remain the same for Omicron or any other COVD-19 variants:
– Get vaccinated (and get a booster if one is eligible)
– Get tested if one has symptoms
– Wear a well-fitting mask in public places
– Choose outdoors over indoors whenever possible
– Wash one’s hands with soap and water frequently
– Practice social distancing
– Disinfect high-touch surfaces
– GK-GermKiller^® disinfectants have been in the market for almost a decade and are equally effective against the different SARS-CoV-2 variants. The disinfectants are used across various sectors like medical, airlines, schools, and other hygiene-sensitive areas. Despite being certified hospital-grade disinfectants, they are formulated to be suitable to be used frequently in homes and offices alike.

Reference
https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/do-disinfectants-kill-newer-strains-coronavirus
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/transmission/variant.html
https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/Infection-prevention-and-control-in-healthcare-settings-COVID-19_6th_update_9_Feb_2021.pdf
https://www.who.int/en/activities/tracking-SARS-CoV-2-variants/
https://www.who.int/news/item/26-11-2021-classification-of-omicron-(b.1.1.529)-sars-cov-2-variant-of-concern

This is part 2 of the article on common disinfectant myths.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, people are increasingly gaining awareness on the importance of practising good hygiene. The use of disinfectants and sanitisers has become an essential part of the everyday fight against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

However, as the interest in disinfectants rises, various disinfectant marketing stints with unsubstantiated claims start to spread as quickly as the virus. With a lot of dubious disinfectant claims and promises going around, one might be unsure as to the trustworthiness of the information they come across.

In order to shed some light on the authenticity of some of these claims, GK-GermKiller® consulted the resident cleaning expert, Ms Francia Solis, Head of Singapore’s COVID-19 Cleaning and Disinfection Industry Task Force and Senior Chemist of Vance Chemicals to debunk the most recent and important myths around disinfectants.

Previously, these common misconceptions were addressed:

Myth #1: All disinfectants are the same
Myth #2: “Food-grade” disinfectants/sanitisers can be ingested OR applied directly on food
Myth #3: Self-disinfecting coating lasts 3 months so there is no need to keep disinfecting/sanitising.
Myth #4: Bleach is the best product for disinfecting

In this article, common disinfectant myths will be debunked and explained in greater detail:

Myth #5: All products with the recommended active ingredients against COVID-19 are effective

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, government health authorities were quick to release a list of active ingredients to look for which are effective against COVID-19. Many disinfectant companies made use of the list, quickly jumped on the bandwagon and introduced new ‘disinfectants’ to meet the  surging demand. Especially in countries without strict regulations governing the sales and distribution of disinfectants, many brands emerged on the shelves with unsubstantiated claims. Unfortunately, many consumers believed that the disinfectants would be effective as long as they were using active ingredients listed on government websites.

There are many factors and compounds contributing to the effectiveness of antibacterial agents. That is why manufacturers and health authorities recommend disinfectant companies to send their disinfectants for tests and certifications.

GK-Germkiller® disinfectants were formulated in 2012 and have since been decked with test reports to support efficacy and safety claims. Even before COVID-19, GK Surface has already been tested against Human Coronavirus 229E which was the surrogate strain of COVID-19. As soon as the lab tests on the actual strain of COVID-19 were available, the GK products were sent to the US for testing by an accredited lab – the first in Singapore.

Myth #6: A Chemical-free Disinfectant is the safest for your family

‘Chemical-free’ is a marketing term broadly-used to imply that a product is safe, healthy or environmentally friendly because it only contains natural ingredients.  The truth is, a chemical-free disinfectant does not exist, as all substances and objects are made up entirely of chemicals and energy. Using a generic, sweeping term such as “chemical-free” is very inaccurate, as it promotes a fear or aversion to chemicals (chemophobia) and misleads consumers, instead of properly educating them.

Most users might skip reading up on the actual ingredients of a product simply because it is labelled with a “chemical-free” term. As a result of that, their understanding of legitimate risks behind the product use is clouded.

GK-Germkiller® has been used and trusted by many childcare centres and airlines for years. With biodegradable formulation, GK-Germkiller® disinfectants were tested for health effects in accordance with OECD Standards to ensure users’ safety. The results show that GK-Germkiller® disinfectants are suitable for daily use, as they are non-toxic and will not cause any irritation when used as recommended.

Myth #7: There is NO need to disinfect daily

Gone are the days where we only cleaned surfaces once a week. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that viruses can survive for days at a time. There is a need to maintain a disinfecting regime daily, be it at home, in the office, or wherever people gather. Instead of engaging professionals to disinfect a home, one can count on GK-Germkiller® to address every household disinfectant need.  Not only are the disinfectants certified hospital-grade, they are also proven to be effective against a wide range of bacteria and germs.

Spray and wipe GK Surface™ on high-touch areas like door knobs, light switches and countertops. Freshen your room while killing odour-causing bacteria by spraying GK Air™. When headed outdoors, make sure to carry GK Surface Wipes™ and wipe tables, food trays or chairs before using them. A few minutes a day can make such a huge difference in protecting loved ones.

Reduce risks and protect loved ones

There is a great need for brands and companies to be more transparent about their products. GK- Germkiller® prides itself in being transparent to its users. All information such as product safety data sheets (SDS), test reports and any claim substantiation is readily available upon request.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, people are increasingly gaining awareness on the importance of practising good hygiene. The use of disinfectants and sanitisers has become an essential part of the everyday fight against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

However, as the interest in disinfectants rises, various disinfectant marketing stints with unsubstantiated claims start to spread as quickly as the virus. With a lot of dubious disinfectant claims and promises going around, one might be unsure as to the trustworthiness of the information they come across.

In order to shed some light on the authenticity of some of these claims, GK-GermKiller® consulted the resident cleaning expert, Ms Francia Solis, Head of Singapore’s COVID-19 Cleaning and Disinfection Industry Task Force and Senior Chemist of Vance Chemicals to debunk the most recent and important myths around disinfectants.

In this article, common disinfectant myths will be debunked and explained in greater detail.

Myth #1: All disinfectants are the same

Disinfectants are not all created equal. A typical consumer might simply purchase the first disinfectant/hand sanitiser they come across, or just a familiar disinfectant brand assuming that all disinfectants and hand sanitisers can perform the same functions.

The truth is, there are differences in the spectrum of efficacy, concentration, hazards, contact times, applications and even personal protection needed for proper usage. Some formulas are only effective against common pathogens found at home, while others are considered as high-level disinfectants with a very wide range of efficacy against antibiotic-resistant organisms. When it comes to choosing the right disinfectant, it is recommended to consider four primary factors: Effectiveness, Kill Time, Safety and Ease of Use.

GK-Germkiller® disinfectants are certified hospital grade disinfectants which are safe to be used in homes and for daily use. The GK-Germkiller® range of disinfectants  has different applications and each variant is strategically formulated for optimum efficacy with the user’s safety in mind.

Myth #2: “Food-grade” disinfectants/sanitisers can be ingested OR applied directly on food

Most people assume that a “food-grade” disinfectant/sanitiser is safe for ingestion and can be directly applied on food. However, on closer inspection, all food-grade sanitisers have a similar disclaimer written on their labels “Our sanitisers are not meant for consumption. Please do not consume/ingest it.”

The definition of “food-grade”  can mean different things  across different sectors, because there is no official agency that can issue a ‘food grade’ certification. In the food industry, “food grade compliance” refers to a comprehensive process which requires all food components and the surfaces they come in contact with are safe for human consumption.

Many misunderstand; and confuse the “food-grade” term on disinfectant bottles to be safe for consumption. The “food-grade” term is not the same as a “food-safe” claim. Disinfectants can NOT be ingested or applied directly to food.

GK-Concentrate™ has the NSF mark on its label to show consumers that it is a registered product under NSF International, an organisation pioneering food safety. The NSF mark is your assurance that the product has been tested by one of the most respected independent certification organisations in existence today.

Myth #3: Self-disinfecting coating lasts 3 months so there is no need to keep disinfecting/sanitising.

While this claim might be true in a laboratory setting, it is not the case in a real life setting where there are constant and uncontrolled amounts of pathogens in different forms. There is no way of telling how much bacteria or viruses are lying dead on the coated surface.  The accumulative effect of  pathogens piling on the coated surface can quickly become overwhelming, resulting in the coating losing its  disinfecting ability eventually.

Such a claim can be misleading as it suggests that surfaces treated with self-disinfecting coating will be free of harmful pathogens. People take for granted that the coated surface is safe and does notdo not require regular disinfection.

In fact, it is still recommended to disinfect high-touch surfaces regularly. GK Surface™ is a highly effective disinfectant that protects surfaces by applying it once or twice a day.

Myth #4: Bleach is the best product for disinfecting

Chlorine bleach is an inexpensive disinfectant that is widely used mostly because of its affordability. While it is cheap, it is certainly not the best choice when it comes to safety and efficiency. Bleach exposure can cause irritation in the eyes, mouth, lungs and skin. Bleach can burn human tissue;  internally or externally, especially in small children. Individuals with asthma or other breathing problems are particularly susceptible.

Disinfecting with bleach is a two-step process. In order for bleach to function properly as a disinfectant, the surface MUST be cleaned prior to the application of bleach. The effectiveness of bleach depends on the amount of active chlorine and the sodium hypochlorite in the solution. However as both active ingredients are easily affected by factors such as storage temperature, water hardness and presence of soil contaminants in the holding container, it is important to note that a fresh solution of bleach MUST be made prior to ensure effective disinfection or sanitation.

Time and safety is very important and despite the savings in buying bleach, it is crucial to have a ready-to-use formula like GK-Germkiller® to reduce the risk of virus spreading. GK-Germkiller® disinfectants were tested for ingestion, inhalation and dermal toxicity, as well as eye and skin irritation and sensitisation. The results showed that it was far safer than bleach and most common cleaners.

[to be continued]

Germs cause diseases and diseases can result in serious health consequences.

At GK-GermKiller®, we know that you depend on our products to be effective as claimed because human health and lives are at stake. Many consumer products make claims but few  are able to prove it.

GK-GermKiller® Disinfectants are formulated to the highest levels of efficacy and subjected to the scrutiny of international certifications to achieve strict benchmarks.

GK-GermKiller® Disinfectants are certified to be Hospital-Grade Disinfectants. We bring you the superior effectiveness of disinfectants used in the strictest of hygiene environments – the hospital – to your home and workplaces. At the same time, we understand that unlike in a hospital setting where disinfectants are applied by professionals, GK-GermKiller® Disinfectants must be safe for frequent use by the consumer, in their homes and with their families.

GK-GermKiller® products stand out as the most heavily certified disinfectants in terms of human safety while meeting international standards for real-world efficacy against common and deadly pathogens. GK Air™, GK Surface™ and GK Concentrate™ have been tested in accordance to both internationally recognised U.S. EPA and Australia’s TGA requirements for Hospital-Grade surface disinfectants. It is a testament of our commitment to protecting GK-GermKiller® users against sickness-causing pathogens.   

WHAT DOES HOSPITAL-GRADE MEAN?

A Hospital-Grade disinfectant represents the highest grade of disinfection to kill the most common harmful microorganisms. It means that the disinfectant is able to perform the functions of bactericides (kill harmful bacteria), virucides (kill pathogenic viruses) and fungicides (destroy fungus).

Most consumer-grade disinfectants provide efficacy studies under ideal situations, typically without the interference of organic soil, that is, other contaminants commonly found in the environment (such as blood, saliva, body fluids) that can compromise the performance of a disinfectant.

In order to achieve Hospital-Grade certification, a disinfectant’s kill efficacy is measured by testing it against a list of test organisms that are harboured in organic soil using 5% fetal bovine serum. In other words, the disinfectant must not just inactivate the pathogens it is tested against, it must also do so in a real-world scenario (as opposed to idealized lab-scenario) of having interfering contaminants limiting its action. In achieving Hospital-Grade certification, GK-GermKiller® Disinfectants are certified to be effective against such bacteria that may be shielded underneath any biofluid or dirt.

Hospital-Grade disinfectants are recommended for use in hospitals, clinics, dental offices, nursing homes, sickrooms, childcare centres and schools where hygiene is a priority.  Be it at home or at the workplace, using GK-GermKiller® Disinfectants provides a high degree of certainty to achieve the hospital standard of cleanliness and hygiene, keeping everyone safe from harmful pathogens.

What are Coronaviruses and what is COVID-19?

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses causing illnesses ranging from the common cold to pneumonia (a severe lung infection). COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by a strain of coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. It was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020 and has since spread globally.¹

Recognising the COVID-19 Symptoms

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), patients with confirmed COVID-19 infections have reported symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Loss of taste or smell.

The symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure.²

How does COVID-19 spread?

Based on CDC³, current evidence suggests that COVID-19 most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:

• respiratory droplets expelled when coughing, sneezing, talking and singing.
• close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands
• rarely, fecal contamination

Protecting yourself and others

The Ministry of Health has urged members of public to remain vigilant and to adopt good personal hygiene practices.⁴ You can take the steps to slow and stop the spread:

• Stay at least 1 metre away from others, whenever possible.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitiser.
• Avoid crowded indoor spaces and ensure indoor spaces are properly ventilated by bringing in outdoor air as much as possible.
• Stay home and isolate from others when sick.
• Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

Does GK-GermKiller® kill COVID-19?

Yes! GK-GermKiller® GK Air™, GK-GermKiller® GK Surface™ and GK-GermKiller® GK Concentrate™ have alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride as an active ingredient which attacks the structure of the virus.

These GK-GermKiller® products have been tested against actual SARS-Cov-2 strain identified as “Isolate USA-WA1/2020” (1) The “Isolate USA-WA1/2020” strain was isolated from an oropharyngeal swab of a COVID-19 patient in the USA. To ensure the testing adhered to internationally-accepted protocols, the US EPA product performance test guideline ASTM E1053 (2)⁵ was implemented by a certified US laboratory.

In addition, the mentioned GK-GermKiller® products are on Singapore National Environment Agency’s (NEA) released NEA List of household products for Surface Disinfection of the COVID-19 Virus.

1. https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus

2. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html

3. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/about/transmission.html

4. https://www.gov.sg/article/what-can-you-do-to-protect-yourself-from-covid-19#adopting-good-personal-hygiene

5. https://www.epa.gov/test-guidelines-pesticides-and-toxic-substances/series-810-product-performance-test-guidelines

Testing based on US EPA product performance test guidelines for virucides confirms GK Air™ Disinfectant exhibit efficacy in breaking chain of COVID-19 infection

SINGAPORE, January 26, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ — Vance Chemicals Pte. Ltd. (“Vance Chemicals”) announces today that its disinfectant air freshener spray, GK-GermKiller^® GK Air™ (“GK Air™”), has been scientifically proven to be >99.9% effective in inactivating the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (“SARS-CoV-2”) on hard, non-porous surfaces. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes the respiratory illness responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic [1].

GK Air™ began as an inflight disinfectant air freshener. It was specifically formulated to meet the requirements of the Singapore Airlines Group for an aircraft inflight disinfectant that is efficacious, safe and refreshing. It is now an integral part of the Singapore Airlines Group’s aircraft cleaning and disinfection protocol [2]. Singapore Airlines was recently awarded the highest “diamond” rating for reaching “hospital-grade level health safety” by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX)[3]. GK Air™ is also used by other airlines and in hygiene-sensitive environments such as childcare centres across Singapore.

In order to ensure that GK Air™ would be suitable as an inflight disinfectant (i.e. suitable for use within an enclosed space), it was important that GK Air™ did not pose any inhalation risks. In this regard, GK Air™ has been classified as Category 5 based on the Globally Harmonised System for Classification and Labelling of Chemicals using the OECD guideline 403[4] for acute inhalation toxicity assessment. In short, GK Air™ is as safe as, or even safer than most air fresheners found on supermarket shelves. It has also been tested for acute toxicity, irritation, and sensitisation based on OECD Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals [5] and was deemed safe for daily use around humans and animals alike, on various surfaces, materials and the environment when the directions for use are followed.

SARS-CoV-2 can survive on surfaces ranging from a few hours to 28 days, depending on the type of surface and the temperature of the environment [6]. It is mainly transmitted via respiratory droplets and aerosols from infected persons when they sneeze, cough, speak or breathe, especially when in close proximity with others. Besides direct transmission, infectious droplets landing on surfaces that others touch can cause indirect transmission [7]. Frequent hand-washing and disinfecting high-touch surfaces are therefore important. With its ready-to-use spray formula, GK Air™ provides a high degree of certainty in breaking the chain of transmission for COVID-19 via contaminated surfaces especially in high human traffic, hygiene-sensitive and enclosed environments.

Vance Chemicals subjected GK Air™ for testing against an actual SARS-CoV-2 strain identified as “Isolate USA-WA1/2020”1. The “Isolate USA-WA1/2020” strain was isolated from an oropharyngeal swab of a COVID-19 patient in the USA. To ensure the testing adhered to internationally-accepted protocols, the US EPA product performance test guideline ASTM E10532 – Standard Practice to Assess Virucidal Activity of Chemicals Intended for Disinfection of Inanimate, Nonporous Environmental Surfaces, was implemented by a certified US laboratory[8]. GK Air™ is also tested effective >99.9% against Influenza A (H1N1) and up to 99.99999% effective against most harmful bacteria.

“GK Air™ was originally formulated for inflight use, but now, it is made available to all consumers on the ground too. We have strived to make it suitable and effective even as a daily-use disinfectant air freshener that is economical and can be used practically everywhere,” says Ms Swee Cheng Lim, Sales Manager of Vance Chemicals.

Vance Chemicals’ R&D and manufacturing are all located in Singapore and all GK-GermKiller^® products are tested using international protocols by leading independent local and international laboratories. Other GK-GermKiller^® products, GK Concentrate™ and GK Surface™ have also been tested and proven effective against SARS-CoV-2.

More product information can be found at gkgermkiller.com.my

References:
[1] “The species Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus: classifying 2019-nCoV and naming it SARS-CoV-2”. Nature Microbiology, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7095448/
[2] “Singapore Airlines steps up cleaning of aircraft amid COVID-19 outbreak”, https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid19-sia-steps-up-aircraft-cleaning-travel-coronavirus-12457756, see photo captioned “Minister of Transport Khaw Boon Wan and Senior Minister of State Lam Pin Min try out disinfectants used on board the aircraft. (Photo: Jeremy Long)”
[3] “Singapore Airlines receives highest rating for ‘hospital-grade’ health and safety in global audit”, Channel News Asia, https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/singapore-airlines-sia-health-safety-diamond-rating-covid-19-13991930
[4] “Test No. 403: Acute Inhalation Toxicity”, https://www.oecd.org/env/test-no-403-acute-inhalation-toxicity-9789264070608-en.htm
[5] “OECD Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals”, OECDiLibrary, https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/environment/oecd-guidelines-for-the-testing-of-chemicals_72d77764-en
[6] “The effect of temperature on persistence of SARS-CoV-2 on common surfaces”, Shane Riddell, et. al., Virology Journal, DOI, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12985-020-01418-7
[7] “How does COVID-19 spread between people”, World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-how-is-it-transmitted
[8] Product Performance Test Guideline, OCSPP 810.2200, Disinfectants for Use on Environmental Surfaces, Guidance for Efficacy Testing, [EPA 712-C-17-004], https://beta.regulations.gov/document/EPA-HQ-OPPT-2009-0150-0036

Lim Swee Cheng
Vance Chemicals Pte Ltd
+65 6863 0863

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Testing based on US EPA product performance test guidelines for virucides confirms that GK Surface™ inactivates >99.9% of the SARS-CoV-2 virus under 1 minute

SINGAPORE, January 26, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ — Vance Chemicals Pte. Ltd. (“Vance Chemicals”) announces today that its flagship disinfectant product, GK-GermKiller^® GK Surface™ (“GK Surface™”), has been scientifically proven to be more than 99.9% effective in inactivating the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) within one minute. SARS-Cov-2 is the virus that causes the respiratory illness responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic [1].

The US EPA Product Performance Test Guideline OCSPP 810.2200 prescribes that virucidal claims should meet the performance standard associated with the method at ≤10 minutes of contact with the subject virus [2]. GK Surface™ is specifically formulated for broad-spectrum disinfection in an instant and as such Vance Chemicals subjected it to the shortest possible time limit of 1 minute under an internationally-accepted benchmark test. This benchmark protocol is the US EPA product performance test guideline ASTM E1053 – Standard Practice to Assess Virucidal Activity of Chemicals Intended for Disinfection of Inanimate, Nonporous Environmental Surfaces [3]. GK Surface™ recorded the <1-minute and >99.9% inactivation when the test was implemented by a certified US laboratory against the actual SARS-Cov-2 strain identified as “Isolate USA-WA1/2020”.

SARS-CoV-2 is mainly transmitted via respiratory droplets and aerosols from infected persons when they sneeze, cough, speak or breathe, especially when in close proximity with others. Besides direct transmission, infectious droplets landing on surfaces that others touch can cause indirect transmission [4]. SARS-Cov-2 can survive on surfaces ranging from a few hours to 28 days, depending on the type of surface and the temperature of the environment [5]. Frequent hand-washing and disinfecting high-touch surfaces are therefore important. A near-instant disinfectant such as GK Surface™ is instrumental to providing a high degree of certainty in breaking the chain of transmission for COVID-19 via contaminated surfaces especially in high human traffic and hygiene-sensitive environments.

GK Surface™ has been widely used by childcare centres across Singapore for almost a decade. Over the years, it has been tested and proven effective against Influenza A (H1N1), Human Coronavirus 229E (Pneumonia & Colds), Coxsackie A16 (HFMD), Human Rotavirus and many other pathogens. In addition, GK Surface™ is also formulated to be safe for daily use around humans and animals alike, on various surfaces, materials and the environment. The disinfectant was tested for its acute toxicity, irritation and sensitization, based on OECD Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals [6] and was deemed safe when the directions for use are followed.

“We bear a heavy responsibility towards our customers who use our products to protect themselves. As such, product quality, safety and efficacy are core to our company values. Our claims are based on the scientific outcomes of our disinfectants meeting strict established international standards implemented by accredited laboratories,”” says Francia Solis, Senior Chemist.

Vance Chemical’s R&D and manufacturing are all located in Singapore. Other GK-GermKiller^® products, GK Concentrate™ and GK Air™ have been tested and proven effective against SARS-CoV-2 as well.

More product information can be found at gk-germkiller.com.

References:
[1] “The species Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus: classifying 2019-nCoV and naming it SARS-CoV-2”. Nature Microbiology, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7095448/
[2] Product Performance Test Guideline, OCSPP 810.2200, Disinfectants for Use on Environmental Surfaces, Guidance for Efficacy Testing, [EPA 712-C-17-004], https://beta.regulations.gov/document/EPA-HQ-OPPT-2009-0150-0036
[3] “ASTM E1053-20 Standard Practice to Assess Virucidal Activity of Chemicals Intended for Disinfection of Inanimate, Nonporous Environmental Surfaces”, ASTM International, https://www.astm.org/Standards/E1053.htm
[4] “How does COVID-19 spread between people”, World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-how-is-it-transmitted
[5] “The effect of temperature on persistence of SARS-CoV-2 on common surfaces”, Shane Riddell, et. al., Virology Journal, DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/s12985-020-01418-7
[6] “OECD Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals”, OECDiLibrary, https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/environment/oecd-guidelines-for-the-testing-of-chemicals_72d77764-en

Lim Swee Cheng
Vance Chemicals Pte Ltd
+65 6863 0863

Visit us on social media:
Facebook
Instagram

This press release can be viewed online at : https://www.einpresswire.com/sources/u431841

Disclaimer: If you have any questions regarding information in this press release please contact the company listed in the press release. Please do not contact EIN Presswire. We will be unable to assist you with your inquiry. EIN Presswire disclaims any content contained in these releases.

Testing based on US EPA guidelines for virucides confirms GK-GermKiller® Concentrate™ disinfectant effective in breaking the chain of infection of COVID-19

SINGAPORE, January 19, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ — Vance Chemicals Pte. Ltd. (“Vance Chemicals”) announces today that its GK-GermKiller^® Concentrate™ general purpose dilutable disinfectant has been proven scientifically >99.9% effective in inactivating the SARS-CoV-2 virus that is responsible for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Vance Chemicals subjected GK-GermKiller^® Concentrate™ for testing against an actual SARS-Cov-2 strain identified as “Isolate USA-WA1/2020” (1) The “Isolate USA-WA1/2020” strain was isolated from an oropharyngeal swab of a COVID-19 patient in the USA. To ensure the testing adhered to internationally-accepted protocols, the US EPA product performance test guideline ASTM E1053 (2) – Standard Practice to Assess Virucidal Activity of Chemicals Intended for Disinfection of Inanimate, Nonporous Environmental Surfaces, was implemented by a certified US laboratory.

The result: GK-GermKiller^® Concentrate™ demonstrates efficacy based on the US EPA passing criteria requirement of at least 3 log10 reduction of SARS-Cov-2. In other words, GK-GermKiller^® Concentrate™ can quickly inactivate >99.9% of this virus in a short time.

In addition to social distancing, hygiene is core to limiting the spread of the disease. SARS-CoV-2 is mainly transmitted via respiratory droplets and aerosols from infected persons when they sneeze, cough, speak or breathe, especially when in close proximity with others. Besides direct transmission, infectious droplets that land on surfaces that others touch can cause indirect transmission [3]. SARS-Cov-2 can survive on surfaces ranging from a few hours to 28 days depending on the type of surface and the temperature of the environment [4]. Frequent hand-washing and disinfecting of contact items and surfaces is therefore important. Consequently, this test result confirms that the use of GK-GermKiller^® Concentrate™ is effective in helping to break the chain of infection caused by the virus.

In addition, GK-GermKiller^® Concentrate™ is also tested effective >99.9% against other common viruses such as Influenza A (H1N1) and Human Rotavirus. Furthermore, even at dilutions up to 80 parts of water, GK-GermKiller^® Concentrate™ can still effectively inactivate >99.9% of illness-causing bacteria.

GK-GermKiller^® Concentrate™ is also formulated to be safe for daily use around humans and animals alike, and on various surfaces, materials and the environment. The disinfectant was tested for its acute toxicity, irritation, and sensitisation based on OECD Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals [5] and was deemed safe when the directions for use are followed. GK-GermKiller^® Concentrate™ is a Green Label [6] product approved by the Singapore Environment Council to be an environmentally preferred surface cleaner. It is also a registered product in the NSF International Nonfood Compounds Registration Program Category C1 [7] which assess products for food processing establishments.

“Our rigorous international third-party testing assures our customers that GK-GermKiller^® Concentrate™ is a quality and effective product they can trust,” says Damon Lim, Head of Sales.

Vance Chemical’s R&D and manufacturing are all located in Singapore and all GK-GermKiller^® products are tested using international protocols by leading independent local and international laboratories.

More product information can be found at gk-germkiller.com.

References:
[1] “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 From Patient With Coronavirus Disease, United States”, Jennifer Harcourt, et. al., “Emerging Infectious Diseases. 2020;26(6):1266-1273.”, https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/931155_4
[2] “ASTM E1053-20 Standard Practice to Assess Virucidal Activity of Chemicals Intended for Disinfection of Inanimate, Nonporous Environmental Surfaces”, ASTM International, https://www.astm.org/Standards/E1053.htm
[3] “How does COVID-19 spread between people”, World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-how-is-it-transmitted
[4] “The effect of temperature on persistence of SARS-CoV-2 on common surfaces”, Shane Riddell, et. al., Virology Journal, DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/s12985-020-01418-7
[5] “OECD Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals”, OECDiLibrary, https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/environment/oecd-guidelines-for-the-testing-of-chemicals_72d77764-en
[6] “Singapore Green Label”, Singapore Environment Council, https://sgls.sec.org.sg/cms.php?cms_id=3
[7] “Nonfood Compounds”, NSF International, https://www.nsfinternational.eu/food/non-food-compounds/

Lim Swee Cheng
Vance Chemicals Pte Ltd
+65 6863 0863

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