Active Chlorine Test in Biocidal Products | Accredited Analysis

What is Active Chlorine Test in Biocidal Products?

Biocidal products are products containing chemical or biological substances used to destroy, render harmless or control harmful microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae, etc.). Since these products are of great importance for both human health and the environment, they are strictly controlled under the Biocidal Products Regulation.

What are the Types of Biocidal Products?

According to the regulations in the European Union and Turkey, biocidal products are classified in the following main groups according to their intended use:

1. Disinfectants (Main Group 1)

• Surface disinfectants (hospital, household, industry)
• Hand and skin sanitizers
• Water disinfectants (drinking water, pool water)
• Food area disinfectants

2. Protectors (Main Group 2)

• Wood preservatives
• Textile and fiber preservatives
• Leather and fur preservatives
• Canned liquid and paint preservatives

3. Pest and Pest Control Products (Main Group 3)

• Insecticides (insecticides)
• Rodenticides (rodenticides)
• Snake and bird repellents
• Larvicides

4. Other Biocidal Products (Main Group 4)

• Embalming and animal hide processing products
• Products used for the control of animal waste

What is an active ingredient?

An active substance is a chemical or biological component that provides the main function of a product. In biocidal products, this substance is responsible for killing, neutralizing or preventing the growth of microorganisms. In other words, the main component that provides the biocidal effect of the product is the active ingredient.

In order for biocidal products to be safe and effective, the type and amount of active substances they contain are of great importance. An incorrect dose or an ineffective active ingredient can render the product completely useless. For this reason, the accuracy of the amount of active substance in both formulation and license applications should be documented by analysis.

Commonly Used Biocidal Agents

• Active chlorine (sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite)
• Alcohol (ethanol, isopropanol)
• Quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC)
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Phenolic compounds
• Peracetic acid
• Formaldehyde (with certain restrictions)

What is Active Chlorine?

Active chlorine refers specifically to the chlorine species released in solution by compounds such as sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite or chlorine dioxide. These species provide effective disinfection by breaking down microbial cell membranes. The active chlorine test is an analysis to determine the amount of free chlorine in the biocidal product. Thanks to this test, the disinfectant power of the product is evaluated numerically.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Biocidal Product Analysis. You can also consult us about Active Ingredient Tests.

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