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Summary: OxiTab kills hepatitis A, B, and C viruses on hard, non-porous surfaces when used as directed.
- EPA-registered virucidal claims that cover HAV, HBV, and HCV
- Exact concentration and contact time for surface disinfection
- How hepatitis viruses spread and survive by surface type
- Step-by-step instructions to disinfect with OxiTab
- Prevention strategies, industry tips, and FAQs
What are Hepatitis A, B, and C?
Hepatitis A, B, and C are viral infections that affect the liver. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) usually spreads via the fecal-oral route through contaminated hands, food, and surfaces. Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) spread mainly through blood and certain body fluids, including via sharps and contaminated environmental surfaces in healthcare and community settings. Surface hygiene and EPA-registered disinfection help reduce the risk of indirect transmission.
Authoritative sources: CDC - Hepatitis A | CDC - Hepatitis B | CDC - Hepatitis C
Can OxiTab Disinfectant Tablets Kill Hepatitis A, B, and C?
Yes. OxiTab’s EPA registration includes virucidal claims that cover HAV, HBV, and HCV on hard, non-porous surfaces when mixed and applied according to the label.
EPA-Registered Kill Claims for Hepatitis A, B, C
- Concentration: 1076 ppm
- Minimum Contact Time: 4 minutes
- EPA Registration: 71847-6
- EPA Lists: Not list-based for these viruses; they are covered directly on the product label.
- Does OxiTab kill HAV, HBV, and HCV? Yes, when used as directed.
EPA label reference: EPA Product Label Portal - OxiTab
How to Sanitize Against Hepatitis Viruses Using OxiTab
- Pre-clean visible soil: Remove organic debris before disinfection to improve efficacy. For blood or body fluids, follow OSHA and facility protocols.
- Prepare the solution: Dissolve 1 OxiTab tablet (13.1 g) in 1 gallon of water to reach the labeled disinfection strength of about 1076 ppm.
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Apply the solution:
- Spray bottle: exam tables, counters, door handles, rails, payment terminals
- Mop bucket: floors in clinics, classrooms, food areas, restrooms
- Wipes or cloths: small fixtures, phones, keyboards and mice exteriors, remotes
- Electrostatic sprayer: broad coverage in waiting rooms, cafeterias, dorms
- Contact time: Keep surfaces visibly wet for at least 4 minutes.
- After treatment: Allow to air dry or wipe for appearance after contact time is met.
- Solution management: Effective up to 24 hours. Store closed and prepare fresh daily.
- PPE and waste: Use appropriate PPE. Dispose of materials per local regulations and facility policy.
How Hepatitis Viruses Spread and How Long They Survive
Hepatitis A (HAV): spreads via the fecal-oral route. Contaminated hands, food-contact surfaces, and restroom touchpoints are common vectors. Hepatitis B and C (HBV/HCV): often spread through blood and certain body fluids, with risk from sharps injuries and contaminated high-touch environmental surfaces in care settings. Routine cleaning and EPA-registered disinfection help break the chain of indirect transmission.
Hepatitis Virus Survival Times by Surface
1. Hard, non-porous surfaces
- Plastic and stainless steel: HAV can persist for days; HBV can persist for at least 7 days in lab conditions; HCV survival is typically shorter but detectable for hours to days depending on conditions.
- Glass and laminate: Multi-hour to multi-day survival reported in controlled settings.
- Ceramic and sealed stone: Hours to days; restrooms and sinks benefit from scheduled disinfection.
2. Porous and softer surfaces
- Wood (finished): Generally shorter survival than on non-porous surfaces, but enough for incidental transfer.
- Fabric and upholstery: Hours; moisture and organic soil may extend survival.
- Paper products: Hours under typical indoor conditions.
3. Extended persistence and risk factors
- Cooler temperatures and low UV exposure: May extend survival, especially for HAV and HBV.
- Visible soil and organic load: Reduce disinfectant performance unless pre-cleaned.
Surface Survival Times Chart
| Surface Type | HAV / HBV / HCV Survival (typical ranges) |
|---|---|
| Plastic & Stainless Steel | HAV: days; HBV: up to ≥7 days (lab); HCV: hours to days |
| Glass & Laminate | Multi-hour to multi-day depending on conditions |
| Ceramic & Sealed Stone | Hours to days |
| Wood (Finished) | Generally hours; shorter than non-porous |
| Fabric & Upholstery | Hours; moisture can extend survival |
| Paper Products | Hours |
References: CDC - Hepatitis A | CDC - Hepatitis B | CDC - Hepatitis C
Why Do Hepatitis Viruses Survive on Surfaces?
Environmental survival varies by virus structure. HAV is a non-enveloped virus that resists some stresses and can persist on surfaces. HBV and HCV are enveloped but can still survive long enough for fomite transfer under certain conditions. Pre-cleaning to remove organic soil and using an EPA-registered disinfectant at the labeled strength and contact time are key to reliable inactivation.
Preventing Surface Transmission
- Clean visible soil first, then disinfect with OxiTab at 1076 ppm for 4 minutes.
- Increase frequency on high-touch points: doorknobs, switches, rails, remotes, shared devices.
- Practice hand hygiene: wash with soap and water after restroom use and before food handling; provide alcohol-based hand rubs.
- Follow OSHA and facility protocols for blood and body fluid spills and sharps handling.
- Launder linens hot and dry thoroughly; manage waste per local guidance.
References: CDC - Disinfection and Sterilization
Symptoms of Hepatitis A, B, C
- Hepatitis A: fatigue, nausea, stomach pain, jaundice, dark urine; often acute and self-limited
- Hepatitis B: acute or chronic infection; fever, fatigue, jaundice; chronic cases can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer
- Hepatitis C: often asymptomatic initially; can progress to chronic infection, cirrhosis, or liver cancer
References: CDC - HAV | CDC - HBV | CDC - HCV
Who Is Most at Risk?
- HAV: child-care settings, food handlers, travelers, communal housing
- HBV: healthcare workers, dialysis patients, people with multiple sex partners, household contacts of infected persons
- HCV: people who inject drugs, recipients of unregulated tattoos, certain healthcare exposures
Prevention Best Practices (By Environment)
- Healthcare: routine disinfection of patient rooms and shared equipment; follow blood-borne pathogen standards
- Food service: strict handwashing and glove use; disinfect prep areas and dining surfaces routinely
- Education & childcare: frequent restroom and classroom disinfection; reinforce hand hygiene
- Hospitality & travel: disinfect guest room touchpoints and public restrooms
- Gyms & fitness: clean and disinfect benches, mats, locker rooms; provide wipes for patrons
Why OxiTab is the Safer Choice
- Non-hazardous: safer to handle than bleach or Quats (QACs)
- No residue: leaves a clean finish without sticky films or harsh odors
- Simple and affordable: tablet dosing makes mixing easy and consistent
FAQs About Hepatitis A, B, C
Q: What disinfectant kills hepatitis A, B, and C?
A: OxiTab kills hepatitis A, B, and C with EPA-registered efficacy at 1076 ppm and 4 minutes contact time.
Q: How long can hepatitis viruses survive on surfaces?
A: HAV can persist for days on non-porous surfaces; HBV for at least 7 days in lab conditions; HCV for hours to days depending on conditions.
Q: Are hand sanitizers effective?
A: Alcohol-based hand rubs help reduce risk. Wash with soap and water when hands are visibly soiled, and always before handling food.
Q: Does OxiTab leave a strong chemical odor?
A: No. OxiTab leaves a clean finish without harsh residue or strong lingering odors.
Related Pathogen Guides
References
- CDC - Hepatitis A
- CDC - Hepatitis B
- CDC - Hepatitis C
- CDC - Disinfection and Sterilization
- EPA Product Label Portal - OxiTab
Call to Action
Protect your environment against hepatitis A, B, and C using OxiTab, an EPA-registered disinfectant that is safer, simpler, and more effective than bleach or Quats.
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