Do You Know Enough About The Safety Of QUATS Disinfectants?

The outbreak of coronavirus has increased the demand for the QUATS-based disinfectant and other sanitary chemicals. But why Quat-based chemicals? What is so special about them? What is QUATS?

So let’s understand what is QUATS and then move on to the safety guide.

QUATS — Quaternary Ammonium Salts

So from the name itself, we get to know that QUATS are basically ammonium salts. Every molecule of the QUAT includes a core that is composed of positively charged nitrogen atom ions.

Quats are increasingly used in disinfectants, wipes as well as sprays because they are potent in killing the viruses and germs present on the surfaces. As per the chemical experts, the quaternary ammonium compounds, for example, benzalkonium chloride, are known to be odorless, colorless, non-irritating, and deodorizing.

These compounds are thus used in detergent to make the clothes germ and virus-free. Besides, most of the quaternary ammonium compounds are generally inactive when they come into contact with different types of detergents or soaps and in fact soap residues. But when it comes to organic material, the antibacterial activity is reduced drastically.

But in the end, however powerful the QUATS are, they must be used with proper safety precautions. So let’s get to know what are the safety measures that one must follow while using QUATS.

Be Extra Careful While Dealing With QUAT-Based Chemicals:

Whenever you are using a disinfectant, spray, or any other chemical that includes QUATS, you must ensure that the solutions are mild and not very strong. If the chemical solution is quite strong, then dilute it by adding the disinfectant or QUAT-Based solution to the water and use it for different purposes. The QUATs-based chemicals are considered highly toxic and are often the reason behind causing various health issues such as skin issues, respiratory issues, and other severe health impacts.

Make Sure You Have All The Personal Safety Equipment While Using QUAT-based chemicals:

You must wear gloves, eye masks, and face masks before you make use of QUAT-based chemicals. It will keep you safe and protected even if some accident happens.

Be Particular About The Material Of The Safety Equipments:

Good quality gloves specifically meant for chemicals should be used while cleaning with QUAT-based chemicals. Any other types of gloves would not be able to provide strong protection. Besides this, you must ensure that the room is properly ventilated while using QUAT-based chemicals. You must take note that all the windows and exhaust ventilation are entirely open so that the toxic fumes of the QUATs-based chemicals get removed. You must follow precautionary guidelines as it will help you in reducing the direct exposure to harmful and dangerous. If you are not careful enough, then it can cause respiratory, skin, and eye irritation, and can cause or exacerbate asthma.

Do Not Mix QUAT Based Chemical With Other Chemicals:

This is a statutory warning that is provided on the label of the chemicals. Mixing QUAT-based chemicals with other chemicals can lead to hazardous chemical reactions which you might find difficult to control. For instance, if you are trying to mix the Quats-based chemicals with bleach then it will emit lethal chemical fumes.

If You Are Using QUAT-Based Disinfectant For Cleaning:

If you want the work to be effective, then first of all clean the surface and then apply disinfectant so that all the viruses and germs get killed efficiently.

The QUAT Based Chemicals Must be Stored In A Safe Place:

Safety and precaution should be maintained not only while using the QUARTZ chemicals but also while storing them. These are extremely harmful and must be stored in a safe place, and should be out of reach of children. Proper storing also prevents accidents to a larger extent.

Always Have A Habit of Reading The Labels:

When you read the label, you are making yourself aware of all the safety guidelines that you need to follow. The chemical labels provide valuable information about safe and proper ways of usage, first aid directions, and hazard warning/danger statements. These will help you to be safe while using the QUATS.

Summary:

Chemicals are used for a wide range of purposes. All of them have different safety measures, which are essential for everyone to follow in order to keep themselves safe and protected. Moreover, by following the safety guidelines you are preventing accidents that would not only harm you but also other people. Similarly, QUAT-based chemicals are extremely dangerous, and proper precautions must be maintained while using them. If you are not following the safety measures, you are creating a critical situation for others and for yourself.