peracideillä

Peracetic acid, also known as peroxyacetic acid or PAA, is a chemical compound with the formula CH3CO3H. It is a carboxylic acid containing a peroxide group. Peracetic acid is a strong oxidizing agent and is used as a disinfectant and sanitizer. It is effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Peracetic acid is produced by the reaction of acetic acid with hydrogen peroxide. It is typically sold as an aqueous solution, usually at concentrations ranging from 5% to 35%. The compound is unstable and decomposes over time into acetic acid and oxygen. Its effectiveness as a disinfectant is attributed to its ability to oxidize and damage microbial cell walls and membranes.

Due to its oxidizing properties, peracetic acid has various applications. It is widely used in the food and beverage industry for sanitizing equipment, processing areas, and packaging materials. In healthcare, it is employed for sterilizing medical instruments and endoscopes. It also finds use in water treatment, for example, in treating wastewater and cooling towers. In agriculture, it can be used to disinfect irrigation water and control plant pathogens.

When handling peracetic acid, appropriate safety precautions are necessary due to its corrosive and oxidizing nature. It can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Dilution and proper ventilation are important during use. Its decomposition products, acetic acid and oxygen, are generally considered environmentally benign.