Today’s environmental challenges require a different approach. Products that once ruled disinfection procedures — like chlorine — are now being replaced by newer chemistries. Peracetic acid is a versatile, environmentally friendly disinfectant option. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered it as an antimicrobial for indoor uses in 1985. Since then, due to its numerous application advantages, peracetic acid usage is becoming more widespread in a variety of industries.
Peracetic acid (PAA), also known as peroxyacetic acid, is a colorless liquid with a strong vinegary odor. It’s an organic chemical compound that combines acetic acid — the main component of vinegar — and hydrogen peroxide. It’s a highly biocidal oxidizer that removes surface contaminants, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and spores. As a highly reactive antimicrobial agent, PAA breaks down to acetic acid (vinegar), oxygen, and water, leaving no harmful residue.
PAA is widely used as a bactericide and fungicide, especially in the food processing industry. It reduces the number of decay or food spoilage organisms typically present in the processing of meat, dairy, poultry, seafood, and vegetable food items. A potent antimicrobial agent, PAA reduces the incidence of pathogenic organisms in or on food, as well as food production and preparation surfaces.
PAA is also strongly recommended for disinfection and sterilization in healthcare facilities and is a “green” alternative for wastewater treatment procedures.
- Readily Biodegradable
- Leaves no residue
- Effective against a broad-spectrum of organisms with no organism resistance
- Treatments with PAA are usually a quick, one-step process
- It has a lower rate of corrosion than similar biocides
Once PAA is used, it breaks down to hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid. The hydrogen peroxide readily decomposes to water and oxygen, while the acetic acid breaks down to carbon dioxide (CO2), making peracetic acid a readily biodegradable compound that is environmentally friendly. For example, when applied to treat wastewater and cooling water, PAA allows the processed water to be recycled and reused.
Due to its numerous advantages and biodegradable qualities, several national agencies approve peracetic acid disinfection:
Since 1991, Enviro Tech Chemical Services has been a global leader in manufacturing peracetic acid biocides. We offer a full line of EPA and FDA approved products.
Our PAA formulations solve challenges for various industries — like industrial water treatment, meat and poultry processing, agriculture, animal health, oil & gas, and wastewater treatment — with a focus on environmental compliance and effectiveness with a conscience.