Aqueous disinfectants and sterilants including transition metals

Abstract

The present invention is drawn to disinfectant or sterilant compositions, which are human safe, e.g., food grade or food safe. In one embodiment, an aqueous disinfectant or sterilant composition can comprise an aqueous vehicle, including water, from 0.001 wt % to 50 wt % of a peracid, and from 0.001 wt % to 25 wt % of a peroxide. Additionally, from 0.001 ppm to 50,000 ppm by weight of a transition metal based on the aqueous vehicle content can also be present. The composition can be substantially free of aldehydes. Alternatively or additionally, the transition metal can be in the form of a colloidal transition metal.

Description

[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 361,837, filed Feb. 24, 2006, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 656,723, filed on Feb. 25, 2005, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention is drawn to consumer safe compositions that can be used for a variety of purposes, including for hard surface cleaning, and which are effective as disinfectants or even sterilants.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Disinfectants and sterilants, such as hard surface disinfectants and sterilants, are widely used in both domestic and professional settings. Generally, though both sterilants and disinfectants are used for the same purpose, i.e. to kill bacteria and / or viruses, etc., a sterilant composition exhibits a greater kill level compared to a disinfectant. This being stated, most applications require only disinfectant levels bacteria / virus reduction, though ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]It has been recognized that it would be desirable to provide liquid solution and dispersion disinfectants that are effective for cleaning surfaces, particularly hard surfaces. In accordance with this, an aqueous disinfectant or sterilant composition can comprise an aqueous vehicle, including water, from 0.001 wt % to 50 wt % of a peracid, and from 0.001 wt % to 25 wt % of a peroxide. Additionally, from 0.001 ppm to 50,000 ppm by weight of a transition metal based on the aqueous vehicle content can also be present, with the proviso that the disinfectant composition is substantially free of aldehydes.

Problems solved by technology

Though Lysol® is effective for many applications; Lysol® is not as effective at reducing levels of bacteria as commercially available glutaraldehyde aqueous solutions.

However, glutaraldehyde is also a powerful irritant and respiratory sensitizer.

In fact, there have been reports of sensitization of individuals due to the fumes, which have lead to respiratory problems, headaches, lethargy, discoloring of the skin, etc.

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