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Summary: OxiTab kills parainfluenza virus on hard, non-porous surfaces when used as directed.
- EPA-registered virucidal claim with exact ppm and contact time
- How parainfluenza spreads and survives on common surfaces
- Step-by-step disinfection method using OxiTab
- Industry-specific prevention routines and FAQs
- References to CDC and the EPA label portal
What is Parainfluenza Virus?
Human Parainfluenza Viruses (HPIVs) are common respiratory viruses that cause colds, croup, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia. They circulate in schools, childcare, long-term care, and healthcare settings and can lead to significant outbreaks, especially in the fall and spring. Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets, direct contact with secretions, and touch transfer after contacting contaminated surfaces and then the eyes, nose, or mouth. Routine cleaning and EPA-registered disinfection help reduce surface-to-hand transmission in shared spaces.
Authoritative sources: CDC — Human Parainfluenza Viruses | CDC — About HPIVs
Can OxiTab Disinfectant Tablets Kill Parainfluenza Virus?
Yes. OxiTab’s EPA registration includes virucidal efficacy against parainfluenza virus on hard, non-porous surfaces when the solution is prepared and applied according to the label.
EPA-Registered Kill Claims for Parainfluenza Virus
- Concentration: 1076 ppm
- Minimum Contact Time: 4 minutes
- Does OxiTab kill parainfluenza virus? Yes, when used as directed.
EPA label reference: EPA Product Label Portal — OxiTab
How to Sanitize Against Parainfluenza Virus Using OxiTab
- Pre-clean visible soil: Remove dust and organic material such as body oils and respiratory secretions. Pre-cleaning improves disinfectant performance.
- Prepare the solution: Dissolve 1 OxiTab tablet (13.1 g) in 1 gallon of water to reach approximately 1076 ppm. Allow the tablet to fully dissolve. Stir gently if needed.
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Apply thoroughly:
- Spray bottle: door handles, desks, counters, rails, bed rails, nurse stations, payment terminals
- Mop bucket: floors in classrooms, waiting rooms, corridors, locker rooms, patient rooms
- Wipes or cloths: phones, keyboards and mice exteriors, tablets, remote controls, light switches
- Electrostatic sprayer: broad coverage in cafeterias, open offices, and common spaces
- Contact time: Keep surfaces visibly wet for at least 4 minutes. Reapply solution if drying occurs.
- After treatment: Allow to air dry or wipe for appearance once contact time is met.
- Solution management: Use prepared solution within 24 hours. Store closed and prepare fresh daily.
Disinfection fundamentals: CDC — Disinfection and Sterilization
How Parainfluenza Spreads and How Long It Survives
HPIVs spread via respiratory droplets during coughing or sneezing, direct contact with infected secretions, and by touching contaminated surfaces then touching the face. People can be contagious early in illness. In high-traffic areas with shared equipment and frequent hand-to-surface contact, label-compliant disinfection reduces the risk of fomite transmission.
Parainfluenza Survival Times by Surface
1) Hard, non-porous surfaces
- Plastic and stainless steel: Typically survives from hours to a day in indoor conditions without disinfection.
- Glass and laminate: Multi-hour survival with potential for transfer during that period.
- Ceramic and sealed stone: Hours to about a day depending on humidity and soil load.
2) Porous and softer surfaces
- Wood, finished: Generally shorter survival than smooth plastics. Cracks and retained moisture can extend persistence.
- Fabric and upholstery: Hours. Moisture and organic soil may extend survival time.
- Paper products: Hours in typical indoor conditions.
3) Factors that extend persistence
- Cool, low-UV environments: May prolong survival on some materials.
- Organic soil: Can shield virus from disinfectants if pre-cleaning is skipped.
Surface Survival Times Chart
| Surface Type | Parainfluenza Survival Time |
|---|---|
| Plastic and Stainless Steel | Hours to ~1 day |
| Glass and Laminate | Hours |
| Ceramic and Sealed Stone | Hours to ~1 day |
| Wood, Finished | Generally hours |
| Fabric and Upholstery | Hours |
| Paper Products | Hours |
Reference: CDC — HPIV Transmission
Why Does Parainfluenza Live on Surfaces?
Parainfluenza viruses are enveloped, so they are generally less stable than non-enveloped viruses. However, they can still persist long enough for hand-to-face transfer, especially in cooler, low-UV indoor environments or when protected by organic soil. Pre-cleaning to remove soil and using an EPA-registered disinfectant at the labeled concentration and contact time are key to reliable inactivation.
Preventing Surface Transmission
- Use a two-step protocol. Pre-clean, then disinfect with OxiTab at 1076 ppm for 4 minutes.
- Disinfect high-touch points frequently. Door handles, desks, rails, faucets, elevator buttons, touch screens, shared toys and devices.
- Promote hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. Provide soap, water, and alcohol-based hand rubs in visible locations.
- Launder linens hot and dry thoroughly. Manage waste and tissues per local guidance.
Guidance: CDC — Prevention and Treatment
Symptoms of Parainfluenza Infection
- Common: runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, fever, hoarseness
- Complications: croup, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia in higher-risk groups
References: CDC — Symptoms
Who Is Most at Risk?
- Infants and young children in childcare and early education
- Older adults and people with chronic heart or lung disease
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Residents of long-term care and people in crowded living conditions
- Healthcare workers and caregivers with frequent exposure
Prevention Best Practices by Environment
- Healthcare and long-term care: Routine disinfection of rooms and shared equipment. Increase frequency during respiratory season. Provide respiratory hygiene stations.
- Education and childcare: Disinfect desks, non-porous toys, restrooms, and handwashing areas. Reinforce stay-home-when-sick and handwashing policies.
- Hospitality and travel: Disinfect guest room touchpoints and public restrooms. Provide tissues and hand hygiene stations in lobbies and dining areas.
- Gyms and fitness: Disinfect benches, mats, cardio interfaces, and locker rooms. Provide wipes and signage for members.
- Salons and beauty: Disinfect chairs, counters, bowls, and non-porous tools between clients.
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 gives consistent ppm with 1 tablet per gallon
FAQs About Parainfluenza Virus
Q: What disinfectant kills parainfluenza virus?
A: OxiTab kills parainfluenza virus with EPA-registered efficacy at 1076 ppm and 4 minutes contact time.
Q: How long can parainfluenza survive on surfaces?
A: Typically hours and up to a day on non-porous surfaces depending on conditions. See the table above.
Q: Does OxiTab have a strong chemical odor or leave residue?
A: No. OxiTab is non-hazardous and leaves a clean finish without sticky films or harsh odors.
Q: Are alcohol hand sanitizers effective?
A: Alcohol-based hand rubs can help reduce transmission. Wash with soap and water when hands are visibly soiled.
Related Pathogen Guides
References
- CDC — Human Parainfluenza Viruses
- CDC — Transmission
- CDC — Prevention and Treatment
- CDC — Disinfection and Sterilization
- EPA Product Label Portal — OxiTab
Call to Action
Protect classrooms, clinics, and shared spaces with OxiTab. It is an EPA-registered disinfectant that is safer, simpler, and more effective than bleach or Quats.
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