Nanotechnology Cleaner/Disinfectant Effective Against SARS

SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- EnviroSystems, Inc., a leader in bio protection and disease reducing technologies, today announced that its next-generation, hospital-grade disinfectant, EcoTru, has been demonstrated to inactivate human coronavirus, the simulant of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

The announcement follows an earlier one in February 2003 when EnviroSystems reported that EcoTru inactivates the Norwalk virus surrogate (FCV). The testing was conducted at internationally recognized independent laboratories.

"This is an important milestone in disease reduction," says Diana Hoffman, EnviroSystems' president and CEO. "Not only has EcoTru been demonstrated to be effective against coronavirus, it is the only environmentally safe cleaner/disinfectant on the market that offers effective protection against Norwalk-like gastroenteritis, SARS and a broad base of other viruses, yet can be routinely used without adverse effects to people, animals, surface materials or the environment."

The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommended the active ingredient that has been uniquely embedded in EcoTru's proprietary nanoemulsion. In a May 23, 2003 bulletin, WHO said, "SARS is now a world-wide health threat. In view of this ... the cabin or quarters occupied by a SARS patient should be disinfected with sodium hypochlorite bleach and formalin 1 or chloro meta xylenol." Of the three chemical ingredients specified by WHO, EcoTru's exclusive technology is able to deliver chloro meta xylenol at an extremely low concentration, creating a powerful hospital grade disinfectant that is non-hazardous and environmentally safe.

According to Reuters, the economic impact of SARS could be significant as the travel and tourism sectors continue to suffer crippling blows. The World Bank cited the deadly virus as one factor behind a cut in its East Asia growth forecast. "The economic impact of this epidemic depends largely on how promptly and effectively the virus can be brought under control," added the Paris-based think tank OECD.

"Globalization and air travel have interconnected people as never before. SARS is a dramatic example of the speed at which an emerging infectious disease can spread both illness and economic devastation," says Larry Weiss, MD, EnviroSystems' senior scientist. "It appears likely that without significant improvements in personal and public hygiene, the effects of SARS and other emerging infectious diseases will continue to be felt far beyond the regions and industries most immediately hit, potentially damaging the global economy for years to come."

SARS has no known cure at present and has been carried to more than 20 countries by air travelers. It may be spread directly by inhaling the microscopic, airborne droplets left in the air by a SARS patient. Alternatively, the virus can survive up to several hours outside the body and touching an object that has become contaminated when coughed on, sneezed on, or touched by a SARS patient may spread infection. This can include doorknobs, telephones, computer keyboards, escalator handrails, push button panels in elevators, airline tray tables, arm rests, overhead bins, and a multitude of restroom fixtures. Frequent hand washing and disinfecting surfaces that are frequently touched is essential to avoid spreading SARS.

"Our customers -- from commercial airlines to resort and cruise ship operators to the healthcare industry -- are clear about their needs: they want highly effective, cost efficient, broad based, infection control products that are easy to use and without adverse effects to people, materials and the environment," says Weiss.

"Long overdue improvements to our public health system and attention to personal and public hygiene are essential to our survival," he says. "The old strategy of disinfecting environmental surfaces with toxic and environmentally hazardous chemicals is dangerously outdated."

The Boeing Company recently tested EcoTru 1453, the aviation-specific formulation, and certified that it passed the company's stringent testing criteria for a non-corrosive cleaner/disinfectant that can be safely used on commercial aircraft. The product has just been added to Boeing's Qualified Products List (QPL).

On April 14, 2003 the New York Times reported, "The interest in cabin cleanliness prompted by SARS led Boeing to recommend a disinfectant product to its customers for the first time. The disinfectant, called EcoTru, does not corrode metal or plastic surfaces, and it is safe to breathe, unlike some other products."

"Boeing also chose the product because it had been used to disinfect cruise ships earlier this year during an outbreak of the Norwalk virus," the Times continued.

As reported in USA Today on May 5, 2003, "EcoTru, a disinfectant recently recommended for airplane use by Boeing, has attracted 30 airlines as customers for EnviroSystems since the SARS scare began."

Singapore's Straits Times made this reference to EcoTru as Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong was about to board a Singapore Airlines flight: "Mr. Goh said that Singapore Airlines had assured him that the plane was 'thoroughly scrubbed' with the disinfectant EcoTru."

The EcoTru product line has repeatedly been demonstrated by independent laboratories to reduce the spread of a broad range of infectious diseases, including E. coli, salmonella, listeria, staph, strep, pseudomonas, MRSA, VRE, Norwalk-like virus (FCV), Influenza A, Hepatitis B and C, vaccina (smallpox surrogate) and a broad range of other fungi and viruses, as well as TB and resistant bacteria. EcoTru is the only safe and non-corrosive alternative to reduce the spread of the Norwalk like virus that has plagued the military, cruise lines, nursing homes and dormitories.

For more information, visit: www.ecotrue.com