New Product Designed to Kill MRSA Registered by the EPA

BEVERLY, Mass. -- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently registered a new product for preventing and eliminating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). 

The EPA has registered Selectrocide chlorine dioxide for use as a disinfectant on hard, non-porous surfaces and instruments, including those used within hospitals and other medical settings. As a no-wipe, no-rinse spray, Selectrocide chlorine dioxide can also be used on hard, non-porous surfaces in health clubs, spas, public places, and swimming facilities as a treatment against MRSA. The EPA has also registered Selectrocide as a disinfectant for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis, athletes foot, Mycobacterium bovis (TB) and other pathogens that spread in many environments.

MRSA is usually spread by direct physical contact with those already infected or through indirect contact by touching objects (towels, clothes, sports equipment, etc.) that infected skin has contaminated. Consequently, any heavily trafficked area can be a source of infection.

According to a report by the BBC News, Staphylococcus aureus is the leading cause of human infections in the skin and soft tissues, bones and joints, abscesses and normal heart valves. It flourishes in the hospital setting, producing bloodstream and surgical wound infections, including MRSA.  

Selectrocide is greater than 99 percent pure chlorine dioxide, an ideal biocide because of its ability to kill viruses, bacteria, fungi, and algae at low saturation levels (parts per million) in a manner that does not allow pathogens to build resistance to the compound. 

Prior to Selectrocide, healthcare and health club environments were limited to using substances such as bleach and quaternary ammonium compounds that can leave residue and require higher concentrations than does chlorine dioxide to achieve the same antimicrobial efficacy.  

Selectrocides chlorine dioxide is produced in water and sprayed, mopped, or sponged onto surfaces that require disinfection. After application, the solution is left on target surfaces and does not require rinsing. Due to the comparatively low application concentrations required to kill pathogens, Selectrocide is compatible with most materials.

 Formed in 1999, Selective Micro Technologies is a private company based in Beverly, Massachusetts. Combining sophisticated science with innovative product design, Selective Micro has invented a proprietary delivery system that controls the rate and efficiency of gas-producing reactions.

Source: Selective Micro Technologies