Green is “Hot”
Studies Validate Steam Vapor Cleaning as Fast, Effective, and Non-toxic

The challenge faced by most green cleaning programs is that while properly-used disinfectants kill undesirable microbes, these products are pesticides (per US EPA), require precise dilution, and may have unhealthy environmental effects. With the rise of communicable diseases, and the recent media attention on flu season, Bird Flu, Norovirus, and nosocomial infections in hospitals, the search has been on for alternative methods of surface disinfection more compatible with the goals of green and sustainable facility care.

Independent scientific tests conducted at Microbiotest Labs, Virginia, and Nelson Labs, Utah, show that Advanced Vapor Technologies’ TANCS® Steam Vapor low-moisture system is a fast, chemical-free, water-based "green" method for destroying bacteria, viruses, mold and hard-to-kill pathogens in school and other environments.

According to David Mudarri, PhD, former Senior Indoor Air Quality Scientist at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:

"The TANCS steam vapor technology has resolved the dilemma posed by cleaning and disinfecting agents that must use potentially harmful chemicals and/or long dwell times to be effective. Those interested in green cleaning, health and the environment, should review the data validating this new technology using treated steam vapor from tap water as the only ingredient. Tests from Nelson Laboratories in Salt Lake City, UT, and Microbiotest Labs in Sterling, VA, consistently demonstrate effective disinfection of a variety of bacteria, viruses and mold with a 7-second application of the TANCS system.

"Steam vapor technology, therefore, is very consistent with the goals of good indoor air quality and green cleaning," Mudarri continues. "Spraying a surface with a chemical agent, for example, inevitably adds pollution to the indoor air as portions of the agent evaporate from the spray and from the surface. Further, other environmental, health or safety concerns associated with the preparation, use, storage, or disposal of chemicals are avoided using this technology."

Third-party testing using the AOAC Hard Surface Disinfectant protocol meeting EPA criteria, demonstrated 7-second disinfection of surfaces contaminated with Norovirus, Canine Parvovirus, and Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) strains – much faster and more effective than topical chemical-based disinfectants that may require 600-second (10 minute) dwell-time.

"We now have the scientific data to demonstrate that the TANCS® Steam Vapor System is many times more effective and works faster than topically applied chemical disinfectants without the associated risks for people," said Rick Hoverson, principal of Seattle-based Advanced Vapor Technologies, LLC. "It is an answer to the 'green dilemma' posed by chemical disinfectants, while delivering the labor savings mandated by tight budgets, and producing a highly sanitized surface cost-effectively."

The Microbiotest data complements earlier Nelson Laboratory test results, showing a 7-second application of TANCS® steam vapor resulted in a 5-7 log reduction of a number of organisms. These organisms include E-coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (causes pneumonia and other illnesses), Salmonella choleraesuis, Listeria monocytogenes (Listeriosis-meningitis/encephalitis), Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Enterococcus faecium (VRE), and others.

ABOUT AVT
Seattle-based Advanced Vapor Technologies (AVT) provides state-of-the-art steam vapor sanitation systems that enable deep cleaning and disinfection, reducing the dependence on potentially harmful or corrosive chemicals. With scientifically-proven TANCS® technology carrying an EPA establishment number, AVT TANCS steam vapor units have been tested and proven to disinfect surfaces in less time and with greater safety and efficacy than typical EPA-registered chemical disinfectants. For more information, contact Rick Hoverson, principal of Advanced Vapor Technologies, at 800-997-6584.

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