Nitrotan, a germicide that had been widely used for minor wounds and burns, was recently discontinued. This blog post will explore the reasons behind its discontinuation so that users can be aware of why this popular product is no longer available on the market.
What is Nitrotan?
Nitrotan is a disinfectant composed of four active agents: chlorine dioxide (ClO2), hypochlorous acid (HOCl), acetone, and sodium chloride, which makes it a powerful bactericidal substance with a four-way action to reduce pain, check capillary bleeding, promote healing and prevent infection. Its primary application as an antiseptic was to treat minor cuts and other external wounds; however, it could also be used as an antifungal or as an agent to control algae growth.
Reasons for Discontinuation
The primary reason behind Nitrotan’s discontinuation lies in its composition of acetone and chlorine dioxide (ClO2), which produces hazardous by-products when released into the environment or inhaled by humans.
Additionally, long-term contact with chlorinated products like Nitrotan can result in irritation of the skin and eyes due to its strong oxidizing qualities. Because of these potential risks associated with long-term use, Nitrotan was removed from shelves and replaced by other alternatives, such as hypochlorite solutions which are considered safer for human consumption.
Another factor that led to the discontinuance of Nitrotan was its flammability warning printed on product labels. With more stringent regulations surrounding flammable household products in recent years, companies have had to reexamine their processes in order to remain compliant with safety guidelines set forth by governing bodies worldwide. In some cases, this meant ceasing production altogether, leading up to its ultimate discontinuance as a product.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Nitrotan has been discontinued largely because of health risks posed by its composition of ClO2 and acetone and stricter regulations on flammable household items due to environmental concerns brought on by manufacturing processes using hazardous materials.
As a result, many companies have begun searching for more sustainable and safer alternatives leading up to the ultimate discontinuance of what once had been one of the most popular disinfectants on the market.
