Virkon 271940 225179046 2008-07-12T08:53:21Z Gaius Cornelius 293907 Tidy using [[Project:AutoWikiBrowser|AWB]] {{Advert|date=April 2008}} '''Virkon''' is a [[brand name]] for a powerful, multi-purpose [[disinfectant]]. The solution is used in many areas, including [[hospital]]s, [[laboratory|laboratories]], [[nursing home]]s, [[funeral home]]s, [[medical]], [[dentistry|dental]] and [[veterinary]] facilities, and anywhere else where control of [[pathogen]]s is required. It is typically used for cleaning up hazardous spills, disinfecting surfaces and soaking equipment.<ref name="VirkonEPA">Antec International (2003). ''Virkon Broad Spectrum Disinfectant'' (EPA Label). {{PDFlink|[http://www.homelandsecurity-equipment.com/EPAVirkonLabelRevised08-12-03.pdf]|256&nbsp;[[Kibibyte|KiB]]<!-- application/pdf, 263024 bytes -->}}</ref> Virkon has a remarkable spectrum of activity against [[viruses]], [[fungi]], and [[bacteria]].,It is also effective against [[SARS surrogate]]<ref name="SARS">Antec International (2003). ''Antec Human Health Technical Information: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).'' {{PDFlink|[http://www.homelandsecurity-equipment.com/Antec%20Statement%20on%20SARS.pdf]|73.2&nbsp;[[Kibibyte|KiB]]<!-- application/pdf, 74989 bytes -->}}</ref> and [[Avian influenza]]. For full effectiveness it must be sprayed liberally on a surface and allowed to sit for at least two (and up to ten) minutes before being wiped off. The disinfecting agents and detergents work [[synergy|synergistically]] to attack [[pathogen]]s. ==Preparation and use== It is most often sold as pink tablets or powder which dissolve readily in water. It is intended to be mixed with water to form a 1% to 3% solution (by weight, i.e. 10g to 30g per litre). The pink colour is useful in that in helps gauge the concentration when preparing the Virkon, and importantly, as the Virkon ages it discolours, making it obvious when it needs to be replaced. The solution is generally stable for five to seven days. Virkon has a faint [[lemon]] odor, but the scent is still considered unpleasant by some. It is relatively safe in terms of skin contact, but can cause eye damage and should not be used as a hand-washing liquid. Virkon is a registered trademark of [[DuPont]]. ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== [[Category:Disinfectants]]