April 22, 2009—Clorox Commercial Solutions Ultra Clorox Germicidal Bleach has become the first and only product to obtain federal EPA registration for killing Clostridium difficile (C. diff) spores on hard, nonporous surfaces when used as directed, announced Clorox.
C. diff causes a wide variety of symptoms, from diarrhea to more serious life threatening intestinal disease, notes Clorox. A study by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control (APIC) found that C. diff infection rates are 6.5 to 20 times higher than previous estimates and that C. diff infections cost American healthcare institutions $17.6 to $51.5 million each day.
C. diff may occur in two forms—vegetative and spore, explains Clorox. Although the vegetative cells die rapidly on surfaces and are relatively easy to kill with disinfecting products, C. diff spores can persist in the environment for many months and are highly resistant to many disinfecting formulations.
After completing a rigorous review process, Clorox Commercial Solutions Ultra Clorox Germicidal Bleach is the first and only EPA registered product shown to be effective against spores of C. diff. This disinfectant is registered for use in all 50 states.
