Global Peracetic Acid Market: Trends, Growth Drivers, and Future Outlook

Author : Siddhi Gade | Published On : 09 May 2024

Peracetic Acid: An Effective, yet Eco-friendly Sanitizer Used As Acid

Introduction to Peracetic Acid

PAA, also known as PAA or peroxyacetic acid, is an effective sanitizer used widely across many industries today. It is formed through the reaction of acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide.

Properties and Composition of PAA

PAA is a colorless liquid with a characteristic pungent odor. Its molecular formula is CH3CO3H. When produced in an aqueous solution, PAA contains around 15% hydrogen peroxide and 5-6% acetic acid. The equilibrium reactions in solution determine the concentration of PAA and its breakdown products. PAA is highly reactive due to the presence of both peroxide and acyl functional groups in its structure.

Applications of PAA

Due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and rapid breakdown into safe byproducts, PAA finds numerous applications. It is used for disinfecting food processing equipment, reducing biofilms in dairy plants, and sanitizing fresh produce. The healthcare industry also utilizes PAA for terminal disinfection of surfaces, endoscopes, and critical medical devices. PAA proves effective against bacteria, viruses, yeasts, and molds. It helps control Legionella in water systems and decontaminate surfaces during infectious disease outbreaks. The wastewater treatment sector employs PAA for odor control and disinfecting liquids. It further finds use as a biocide in the paper industry, oil fields, and cooling towers.

Benefits of Using Peracetic Acid

Some major benefits offered by PAA include its high antimicrobial efficacy, fast-acting disinfecting ability, and safe decomposition into non-toxic byproducts. PAA is a powerful oxidizing agent that destroys the cell membrane and disrupts the metabolic processes of microorganisms. It achieves disinfection much faster than chlorine or other chemicals. When the sanitizing cycle ends, PAA breaks down into acetic acid, oxygen, and water - all of which are safe and pose no threat to the environment or human health. This makes it an eco-friendly alternative to many other sanitizers. PAA also leaves no residue behind and does not corrode surfaces like metal or corrode pipes and tubing like other acids.

Regulations Related to PAA Usage

Given its applications across food, healthcare, water treatment sectors, there are regulations defining safe use levels of PAA in these areas. The US Environmental Protection Agency has approved PAA as an antimicrobial agent that is safe and effective when used as directed. The Food and Drug Administration lists PAA as generally recognized as safe for use on food contact surfaces and equipment. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has specified a permissible exposure limit of 1 parts per million for an 8-hour workday as the safe level for workers handling PAA solutions. Proper safety precautions like adequate ventilation, protective equipment, and documented worker training programs help ensure safe handling of PAA.

Drawbacks of PAA Use

While PAA remains a popular eco-friendly sanitizer, are some key drawbacks to its use. PAA has a very strong odor that some may find objectionable. Exposure to high concentrations can cause irritation to eyes and skin on contact. PAA solutions also lose effectiveness rapidly once diluted and may corrode certain metals like aluminum over time with repeated exposure. Careful maintenance of equipment and regular replacement of worn components helps avoid such problems. The formation of PAA in an aqueous solution requires on-site generation equipment and technical expertise. This can increase initial capital costs compared to other sanitizers. Overall, with adequate precautions PAA offers many environmental and health benefits that outweigh its minor disadvantages.

In summary, PAA has emerged as a leading green sanitizer due to its powerful germicidal activity, fast action, and safe decomposition. It effectively controls harmful microbes in healthcare, food, and other industrial settings. Regulations defined the permissible limits for worker and environmental safety. While handling PAA demands proper safeguards, it causes less harm than traditional sanitizers. With the benefits outweighing minor drawbacks, PAA looks set to stay an important eco-friendly disinfecting agent of choice across many applications. Its use helps industries adhere to stringent hygiene and protects public health.