Microbes, fungi, and molds can cause health issues for people, which could cause a pandemic. Since the microbial effect is rapid and contagious, the only way to stop the spread is to use disinfectants and antibacterial products. Recently, people have witnessed the rise of these products between 2019 and 2021. COVID-19 caused a rapid rise in demand for biocidal products, which contain chemicals like PHMB and PHMG. These two chemicals have similar functions, with a few notable differences, including their molecular structure. Why do industries use them, and what are some concerns that were raised about their usage? You will find everything, including the market growth of these two biocidal chemicals.
Polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride is one of the key chemicals that contribute to the elimination of microbes. Additionally, they help preserve certain chemicals for an extended shelf life, reducing the risk of fungal growth. Therefore, industries use this chemical to make their products antimicrobial.
Many biocidal disinfectants are used in industrial, commercial, and domestic settings. Most of them contain PHMG, a chemical that contributes to the elimination of germs. If this chemical is not used, there will be less effect of these disinfectants. Moreover, hospitals, veterinary clinics, factories, homes, and many other places need strong disinfectants that contain polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride.
Even personal care products contain some amounts of PHMG to eliminate bacteria. Wipes and shampoos are the ones that usually contain this chemical for biocidal effects. Companies use a mild quantity of it because it is a very harmful chemical if the amount exceeds.
It was once a common and effective practice for cleaning the humidifier water tank. Some disinfectants were effective against microbial growth in humidifier water tanks. However, severe health concerns led the companies to discontinue the use of PHMB immediately after the famous South Korean incident.
Some fabrics require antimicrobial properties, such as those used in athletic wear, healthcare uniforms, and wipes. Manufacturers use PHMG in the production of these fabrics for antimicrobial effects. The bacteria don’t survive easily on it because of this chemical coating. Likewise, some bedding fabrics also contain it for safety reasons.
Some products require special coatings against microbial attacks. Therefore, some paints and adhesives contain PHMG to prevent microbial growth on specific areas. Molds and fungi are common problems in many places, and antimicrobial coatings are very effective against them. This is why the use of PHMG is everyday in some paints, adhesives, and sealing materials.
Then there is polyhexamethylene biguanide, which serves a similar function and offers similar benefits. However, there are several functions that make it particularly useful for specific industries. Here are those industries that use PHMB for the production of various FMCG and industrial products.
Antibacterial personal care products, such as soaps, sanitizers, and wipes, contain PHMG. This chemical enables these products to perform effectively against bacteria and other microbial threats. Hospitals, factories, and households rely on these antibacterial personal care products. The reason they depend on them is that the results are efficient against risks like diseases.
However, some evidence suggests that PHMG is not safe when used in the production of personal care products. It has adverse effects in the form of category-2 carcinogens that it can release. Therefore, some regulatory authorities may not approve its inclusion in a few types of products.
Since wound cleaning agents have to eliminate the maximum number of microbes, they contain PHMG. Through this chemical, wound cleaning agents get antiseptic properties for better treatment. They prevent infection by disrupting the DNA and cell membranes of microbes. Due to this efficiency, PHMG is in substantial demand.
Even the water treatment process requires chemicals like PHMG for the elimination of germs. There are numerous threats, including diseases and contaminants, in untreated water, which necessitate the use of PHMG for the disinfection process. Disinfectants for water, spa, and pools contain this chemical to disrupt the DNA of bacteria. Hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and veterinary hospitals need surface disinfectants for the safety of everyone. These surface disinfectants also contain polyhexamethylene biguanide. Additionally, medical instruments require a regular disinfection process for safe use in treatments. Doctors rely on their disinfectants because of high response from PHMG chemicals.
Eyes remain protected from various kinds of contaminants and microbes because contact lenses have special protection. They receive that protection from PHMG, which is incorporated into their storage solution. Due to this solution, the eyes remain protected from many diseases.
Then come beauty products' preservatives, which also contain polyhexamethylene biguanide. It provides them with a long shelf life by preventing mold, fungi, and microbes. However, it is not safe for beauty products like lipsticks, etc. Recent research has shown the adverse effects of PHMG on humans, which has restricted its use in certain products.
Both PHMG and PHMB have similar efficiency in terms of biocidal effects. Their high performance against bacteria makes them suitable for use as surface disinfectants, in some personal care products, and as treatment chemicals. There is a high growth opportunity due to ongoing viruses, such as COVID-19 variants and the Ebola virus, among others. Different regions are facing severe threats in the form of contagious diseases, which are worsened by post-COVID-19 effects and environmental problems.
These rising problems are causing skin issues worldwide, which means people need antibacterial products. Likewise, some countries remain underdeveloped, which means people desperately need access to healthcare facilities. They require immediate medical care, especially in the war-torn countries in the Middle East. Medical staff entirely rely on disinfectants and antibacterial products to stay safe. It means PHMB and PHMG chemicals are essential for disinfectant and antibacterial products. The growth opportunities are high due to the rising medical risks.
These two chemicals are very efficient, and there is no doubt about that. However, they cause some severe health threats in the form of lung and skin problems. They can react negatively with certain chemicals, especially in some cosmetics, which is why the EU and similar regulators advise avoiding these chemicals. PHMB could cause a category-2 carcinogen in some products. Moreover, PHMG could cause toxic inhalation, which happened in South Korea between 2005 and 2011. Companies that use these chemicals must conduct additional safety tests to prevent severe reactions. Lung and skin diseases could worsen if the situation deteriorates.
Industries use chemicals like PHMG and PHMB, which are similar in function, differing only slightly in chemical structure. They have efficient results when it comes to disrupting the DNA structure and eliminating it. Surface and water disinfectants contain these chemicals to eliminate microbes immediately. Moreover, personal care products, coating chemicals, wound cleaning agents, and contact lens solutions contain them. As a result, the biocidal results become phenomenal. Additionally, regulatory bodies have raised several health concerns about the use of these chemicals in certain products.
Microbes, fungi, and molds can cause health issues for peopl
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