Safety
These are typical questions asked by companies who are considering the use of Ultra-Fresh. Please click on any of the following questions in order to view the corresponding answer given in a general scope. Specific answers, relating to a particular application or type of treated product are not addressed by this web site. To discuss your specific application, please contact TRA or your local distributor.
- Are there any health concerns when using or selling Ultra-Fresh?
- Are there any environmental concerns when using or selling Ultra-Fresh?
- What about antibiotic resistance?
To view all the questions and answers in a single file, click here.
Are there any health concerns when using or selling Ultra-Fresh?
Ultra-Fresh products are formulated to be very safe for workers who handle the concentrate products and for consumers who use the finished articles.
All Ultra-Fresh products are registered with the U.S. EPA. A registration is only granted by the EPA after large amounts of chemical and toxicological information and environmental fate data have been submitted and reviewed. The EPA requires this information as it has a mandate to protect the U.S. public and the environment.
TRA provides manufacturers with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)on our products which contain detailed amount of health and safety information to assist our customers in establishing the correct procedures for the use of Ultra-Fresh. Always consult the MSDS before using any chemical.
MSDS are available from TRA or your local distributor.
Are there any environmental concerns when using or selling Ultra-Fresh?
All Ultra-Fresh products are registered with the U.S. EPA. A registration is only granted by the EPA after large amounts of chemical and toxicological information and environmental fate data have been submitted and reviewed. The EPA requires this information as it has a mandate to protect the U.S. public and the environment.
The Material Safety Data Sheet gives all of the information required for the correct handling and disposal of any Ultra-Fresh product. MSDS are available from TRA or your local distributor.
What about antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotics and antibacterials are similar in that they both work by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. However, they differ in their modes of action and in their intended uses.
Antibiotics are used in closed systems (the body), and are designed to be used in high levels for a short term duration (ie. during the period where a body is infected with bacteria). Incorrect use of antibiotics where they have been used for long periods at low levels has led to antibiotic resistance in some cases.
Antibacterials, on the other hand, are designed to be used at low levels for a long period of time and they are used in an open system (the everyday environment). Being in an open environment, the bacteria are not forced to be in contact with the antimicrobial and therefore are not forced to adapt (develop resistance) or die. In addition, antimicrobials have more than one mode of action, thus confusing the bacteria by not always defending in the same manner.
Ultra-Fresh treatments have been in continuous use since 1955 without leading to antibiotic resistance. Indeed, several labs around the world have tried to locate bacteria that are resistant to antimicrobials by looking in areas with high antimicrobial levels. They have not been successful. Similarly, several labs have also tried to engineer antimicrobial resistant bacteria. This has also not been successful.