Herpes is a contagious viral infection caused by one of two types of the herpes simplex virus. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) writes the Roman emperor Tiberius once banned kissing during public ceremonies in an effort to staunch the spread of the disease. According to NIDCR, fever blisters still occur in "epidemic proportions" even today. Sodium chlorite is the active ingredient in bleach and some other cleaning products. You can use them to inactivate the herpes simplex virus on surfaces and objects in your home.
Definition
Sodium chlorite is a salt formed by a negatively charged chlorite ion and a positively charged sodium ion. In water, the salt dissolves to form hypochlorous acid which, in turn, confers the compound's sanitizing properties. In the Nov. 14, 2008 issue of "Cell," a team of University of Michigan molecular biologists led by Jeannette Winter, Ph.D., revealed hypochlorous acid works by unraveling the proteins that viruses and other germs require to function.
Significance
The herpes simplex virus is spread through person-to-person contact; however, objects such as glasses, eating utensils, cosmetics, towels and, in the case of genital herpes, sex toys sometimes serve as intermediaries. In the August 2006 issue of "BMC Infectious Diseases," a team of German researchers led by Axel Kramer, M.D., concluded the herpes simplex virus survived on some surfaces for up to one week. If you can't quarantine a contaminated object for at least a week, you should plan to sanitize it with sodium chlorite or another sanitizing agent.
Effectiveness
In a study published in the February 1988 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Microbiology," University of Kansas researcher Wendy S. Croughan reported a dilute solution of sodium chlorite--equivalent to ½ tsp of bleach in 4 cups of water--inactived both types of herpes simplex viruses within 10 minutes. Of the two, Croughan said type 1--the type that usually causes oral herpes--was more resistant than type 2, which usually causes genital herpes. However, bleach actually took longer to work than four other household sanitizers, including rubbing alcohol and three proprietary cleaning products: Listerine, Lysol and Alcide.
Safety
Sodium hypochlorite unravels proteins in skin and clothing much like it unravels proteins in herpes simplex and other germs. In the case of clothing and some porous surfaces like granite, this means lighter color. In the case of skin, this may mean irritant contact dermatitis, sometimes upon the first exposure, according to MayoClinic.com. As with any cleaning product, you should keep sodium chlorite out of the reach of children. Choosing unscented cleaning products over fragranced versions may decrease the risk of accidental ingestion. However, if you suspect your child has consumed a cleaning product, you should contact poison control at 800-222-1222 or take the child to the nearest emergency room.
Use
The United States Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service says you can make your own sodium chlorite sanitizing solution by adding one tbsp. of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach to one gallon of water. Store the solution in a PVC plastic or glass container; sodium hypochlorite corrodes other materials, including metals. Wear latex or, if you are allergic to latex, nitrile gloves whenever you use sodium chlorite sanitizing solution or any other cleaning product to reduce your risk of irritant contact dermatitis. Highly scratched or porous surfaces are difficult to sanitize, so you should consider quarantining them.
Alternatives
Depending on the surface you wish to clean, other cleaners may be a better option. In Croughan's study, rubbing alcohol immediately inactivated both types of herpes simplex viruses. Lysol or Alcide, diluted according to the manufacturer's instructions, and undiluted Listerine took about five minutes to work. For clothing and fabric, use standard detergent and hot water. For items used to serve food, a study published in the March 2007 issue of the "International Journal of STD and AIDS" found hot water and dish detergent was just as effective as sodium chlorite solution.
References
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: Fever Blisters and Canker Sores
- "Cell"; Bleach Activates a Redox-Regulated Chaperone by Oxidative Protein Unfolding; Jeannette Winter, Ph.D. et al.; Nov. 14, 2008
- "BMC Infectious Diseases"; How Long Do Nosocomial Pathogens Persist on Inanimate Surfaces; Axel Kramer, M.D. et al.; August 2006
- "Journal of Clinical Microbiology;" Comparative Study of Inactivation of Herpes Simplex Virus by Commonly Used Antiseptic Agents; Wendy S. Croughan, Ph.D. et al.; February 1988
- Mayo Clinic: Contact Dermatitis: Symptoms
- "International Journal of STD and AIDS"; Efficacy of a Dish Detergent in Reducing Populations of STI Organisms in Inoculated Female Condoms; Carol Joanis, Ph.D. et al.; March 2007
