Findings of (Septe FX 6D-840), (Septe FX 7D-11)
Carol Smith, Microbiologist, Biolennia Laboratories
Tests of (SEPTE FX 6D-840), (SEPTE FX 7D-11) were conducted on safety masks at the request of Super Safety located in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The masks tested are used in emergency situations such as fire fighting, disaster response and biohazard situations. The purpose of the testing was two fold: First, to test the solutions for their effectiveness against bacteria on the masks; second to assess a physical damage the masks may incur after extended exposure to the solution through repeated soaking and drying.
The organisms used for the testing were Salmonella cholerasuis, Pseudomas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Oral areas of the masks were contaminated with the organisms and then soaked in the solutions for periods ranging from one minute to 14 days. Following exposure to the product, swabs were taken of the contaminated areas to determine how effective the solution was in killing bacteria.
There were no obvious physical or structural changes (i.e. expansion, cracking) to any of the masks tested.
Based on these findings, (Septe FX 6D-840, (Septe FX 7D-11) appears to be an affective disinfectant for use on the type of safety masks tested. After repetitive soaking and drying of these same masks in the disinfectant solutions, the physical integrity of the masks were not compromised.
To determine the effects of Septe FX products on safety masks for their effectiveness as a disinfectant as well as for the physical damage they may do to the masks.
Solutions:
Bacterial Cultures:
Masks:
Description of Masks
Mask: Description:
Containers:
Procedure:
2. The masks were then incubated for 30 minutes at 37*C.
3. Septe FX 6D-840, Septe FX 7D-11 and water were poured into separate white containers.
4. Masks 1,2,3, A and B were completely covered in Septe FX 6D-840 solution for a specified time period. Mask 4 was completely covered in Septe FX 6D-840. See table 2 for soaking times.
5. Daily observations were made and documented of masks 3,4,A, and B over the two week soaking period. Observations included noting any changes in composition, color, breakdown of plastic, metal or rubber materials. The mask straps were also measured for stretching. Mask 3 was dismantled so extensive observation on the interior of the mask could be examined of any breakdown.
6. Following the soaking period, the areas on mask 1 through 4 were contaminated with the bacteria were swabbed. The swabs were placed in TSB test tubes and incubated for 48 hours. The test tubes were examined for any bacterial growth.
7. Following the two week soaking period, masks 4 and B were further tested for cracking potential by soaking each mask for a one day period and then hanging each mask to dry for 2 days. This process was completed over a 15-day period. Mask 4 was soaked in Septe FX 7D-11, mask B in Septe FX 6D-840.
Product Soaked In and Soaking Time
Mask: Product Soaked In: Length of Time:
Results:
Results of efficacy testing
Mask: Product Soaked In: Description of Mask after Soaking for 2 weeks
The results of repetitive soaking and drying over a 15-day period
Mask: Observations:
Conclusion:
Based on these findings, (Septe FX 6D-840 and Septe FX 7D-11) appears to be an effective disinfectant for use on the type of safety mask tested. After repetitive soaking and drying of these same masks in disinfectant solutions, the physical integrity was not compromised.
October 17, 2001SUMMARY
Bacterial effectiveness testing
Physical effects
The safety masks tested contained aero elastomers, silicone, latex, neoprene and hycar. Each mask was completely covered with a solution and detailed notes were made regarding changes in composition, color, or apparent breakdown of any plastic, metal or rubber component.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION
Findings indicate that contaminated masks soaked in each of the three solutions had no bacterial growth with the exception of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth found on one mask used for the one minute Septe FX 6D-840 exposure test.Purpose:
Materials:
1. (Septe FX 6D-840)
2. (Septe FX 7D-11)
Salmonella choleraesuis, Pseadomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus
2 green, Aero Elastomer R6600
1 Blue Silicone/Latex S 6500
1 Gray Neoprene
2 Black *Hycar rubber masks with polycarbonate clear front window
*Hycar-natural rubber blend
1 Silicone/Lates S 6500, blue, no window, in perfect condition. Initial strap measurement: 18cm
2 Hycar, black, ploycarbonate window, slightly dirty, scratches. Initial strap measurement: 19cm
3 Hycar, black, ploycarbonate window, dismantled, scratches. Initial strap measurement: 19cm
4 Aero Elastomer R6600, green, in perfect condition (brand new) Initial strap measurement: 14cm
A Gray, #r4500, Neoprene Half-Mask
B Green, #R6600, Natural Rubber
4 White plastic containers for soaking
1. Designated areas of the oral sections masks 1 through 5 were swabbed with cultures of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella cholerasuis.
1 Septe FX 6D-840 1 minute
2 Septe FX 6D-840 10 minute
3 Septe FX 6D-840 2 weeks
4 Septe FX 7D-11 2 weeks
A Septe FX 6D-840 2 weeks
B Septe FX 6D-840 2 weeks
3 Septe FX 6D-840 No obvious physical changes
4 Septe FX 7D-11 No obvious physical changes
A Septe FX 6D-840 No obvious physical changes
B Septe FX 6D-840 No obvious physical changes
Note: the measurement of the straps on masks 1 and 2 did not change after hanging for 14 days
4 in Septe FX 7D-11 No obvious physical changes
B in Septe FX 6D-840 No obvious physical changes