1. What is mildly acidic hypochlorous acid water?
It is water made up of small molecules, the main component being hypochlorous acid (HClO). Hypochlorous acid is a substance released by neutrophils in the human body to kill pathogens. Nowadays, we can produce this low-concentration, mildly acidic hypochlorous acid water using technology. Compared to sodium hypochlorite (also known as bleach), it is safer and more effective.
2. How does it eliminate microbial pathogens?
Hypochlorous acid (HClO) exists in a non-charged form in mildly acidic hypochlorous acid water, while bacterial surfaces carry a negative charge. Therefore, the negatively charged hypochlorite ion (ClO-) repels the bacterial surface, making it difficult to kill the bacteria. HClO, on the other hand, easily penetrates the bacterial cell wall, oxidizing it or invading the bacteria to destroy crucial parts.
3. Why is hypochlorous acid (HClO) superior to sodium hypochlorite in antibacterial and antiviral activities?
The microbicidal potency of hypochlorous acid (HClO) is 80 times that of hypochlorite ion (ClO-). Not only can HClO act on the cell wall and the virus envelope, but due to its small size and non-charged nature, it can penetrate into the microorganism, oxidizing its proteins, nucleic acids, and enzymes, leading to the death of the pathogenic microorganism. When the environment is close to neutral (pH 5.0-6.5), the effective chlorine mainly exists in the form of HClO.
4. What are the shortcomings of mildly acidic hypochlorous acid water?
This water lacks a sustained antibacterial effect. That is, once it comes into contact with a surface, it reacts quickly with bacteria or organic matter on that surface, turning into water, losing its activity. This is both its advantage, as it doesn’t need rinsing afterward and leaves no harmful chemical residues, but also its disadvantage, as it requires constant application.
5. How is traditional mildly acidic hypochlorous acid water produced?
It is obtained by electrolyzing a sodium chloride (NaCl) solution. Electrolyzing using an anode and cathode, we get electrolyzed water. There are two mainstream electrolysis methods: one is the membrane electrolysis method, which converts saltwater into strongly acidic hypochlorous acid anolyte and strongly alkaline sodium hydroxide catholyte; the other is the single-cell electrolysis method, which converts saltwater into mildly acidic or neutral hypochlorous acid anolyte.
6. What is CELA water?
CELA water, also known as non-electrolyzed mildly acidic hypochlorous acid water, has a pH value of approximately 6.20 to 6.80, and its effective chlorine concentration reaches 50ppm. Unlike the electrolysis method, it is produced using the jet blasting power method. The CELA production process requires higher water quality standards, resulting in purer hypochlorous acid water with a stable pH, longer shelf life, and larger output.
7. What are the prominent features of CELA water?
- Good safety: The hypochlorous acid in CELA water, a natural immune response substance in the human body, is harmless. Both the FDA and the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare have confirmed its safety as a food additive.
- Fast disinfection: Its disinfection efficiency is 80 times that of other products.
- Strong odor elimination: It fundamentally decomposes odors.
- Efficient disinfection: When the pH value is 6.50, the disinfection efficiency is nearly 100%.
- High pH stability: Unique manufacturing technology without chlorine gas production.
- Long-term preservation: Under suitable conditions, its shelf life can exceed 18 months.
- Stable quality: Whether frozen or heated to 80°C, its efficacy remains unchanged.
- Non-corrosive: Like pure water, CELA water is non-corrosive.
- No bleaching components: No side effects, no residues.
8. Is mildly acidic hypochlorous acid water stable?
Its stability is related to its manufacturing method. Traditional mildly acidic electrolyzed water may have its effective chlorine concentration reduced due to various external factors. In contrast, non-electrolyzed mildly acidic hypochlorous acid water is more stable, with a shelf life of up to 18 months or more under specific conditions.
9. Does hypochlorous acid water have a bactericidal effect?
Hypochlorous acid has a significant inactivation effect on many bacteria. Numerous studies have shown that HClO has a higher bactericidal effect than ClO-, with disinfection efficiency even 70-80 times higher. Its primary advantage is its ability to easily penetrate the bacterial cell wall and its stronger oxidizing capacity.
10. Can hypochlorous acid water kill viruses?
Yes, numerous studies have confirmed that hypochlorous acid has a lethal effect on various viruses, including norovirus, influenza virus, and Ebola virus.