Clean It Up
UK Floor Cleaning Forum => Carpet Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: jcbdfa on March 29, 2005, 09:05:39 pm
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many on this forum seem to frown on the use of enzymes. i use them regularly with very good results. i even use a steamer to heat the carpet and speed up the reaction(on stainsetc). do they have health risks??? bio washing detergent are popular and safe i presume? my missus is allergic to bio powders but this is through long exposure. many organically derived stains simply disappear after being rinsed. i beleive 65 is the hottest they work at. have only ever used enzymes as prespray does anyone have any feedback on enzyme rinse/shampoo chems(c/s form 70 etc) or better ways to use them?
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Hi,
Haven't got much time but enzymes will give excellent results , particularly on protein based stains BUT the dust left behind will cause asthma sensitisation.
With bio washing powders the enzyme is encapsulated and rinsing is much more thorough than you could achieve on a carpet.
I will give a more complete answer another time ,
Cheers,
Doug
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Hi
I can't speak for all Enzymes however in AllergStop we use a natural base Enzyme called Auxillase, which is derived from fruit, (The Papaya) it has been scientifically tested and is proven to eliminate allergens on mould spores, pollen, Pet air, dustmite and its excrement far from producing Asthma sensitising it is the absolute opposite and its action is instant one singel application will eliminate 80% of all air allergens. This particular enzyme uses the "key lock" principle, to break down polypeptides>
Best regards Nick
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The way I see it, Whenever it comes to working around any cleaning agents of any kind, we all have a choice: Good ones(not harmful), or Bad ones(harmful).
I always make it a policy to chose the GOOD ones, period. Because I put the priority on my well being; health, way before the importance of taking out a customers spot, or etc.
In my years of formulating products, I can honestly state that I would never ever use Enzymes in this industry because they are very harmful to humans, you and me. I remember long ago reading the "CAUTION" information on the raw material that the very word, "CAUTION" seemed like it was printed a thousand times over.
Regardless of the fact that some may have liked the results of a particular Enzyme product, there are "other" product formulations out there that will do as good and even out perform them hands down .
Since I am not at liberty to explain further because of the board rules, I will leave it at that.
Just keep looking......................and do your Health a favor.
Good Fortune to all;
Ed Valentine
cross-american corp.
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Ed,
Interesting post , there are no board rules that will stop you recommending the best chemicals for the job.
We try to be as open as possible without any blatant advertising.
Cheers,
Doug
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all these posts are interesting and informative. doug your post is interesting but surely ANY cleaning chemical could cause such sensitisation esp with such close and continuous contact as on clothes. look forward to you expanding on this. the other 2 post are derived from people with vested interests(suppliers) and are from their pov. many common carpet shampoos are very irritant. cleaning enzymes may be more irritating because people are already sensitive due to their extensive use? i was a conservator in a previous life and used the enzymes in stimulated spit to clean ivory etc(spit and polish!) interestingly a common conservation cleaner (symperonic) was banned as being dangerous. nick i find your post interesting the use of an enzyme to break down pollens etc etc. this could be a great product to sell to astmatic/eczema sufferers but yours and eds post seem contrary. ed just because the raw matl needs caution this does not imply that the end product is dangerous!sodium +chlorine =salt
ps enzymes also destroy odours superbly well. if safe they are a superb and underused product my favourite is prekleen as enzyme pspray/hi force are too strong pH wise and are therefore not as versatile.
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Doug;
Thanks for the comment. However, in this particular case, since we are a formulator (hint-hint) of cleaning agents, I must rest my case because I do not want to over-step the boundaries.
JCBDFA;
I hope this explaination may help:
So far there has been limited information concerning the long term effects of synthetic enzymes on the human population. Are genetic disorders a manifestation of DNA specific agents in our environment? Can Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases be attributed to protein fragments generated by enzymatic hydrolysis?
This raises concern about the danger of employing chemical agents in detergents which may be absorbed by the skin and eventually into the blood stream where these catalysts could continue to randomly degrade protein matter and even interfere with DNA reproductive processes
It is not clear what effect these powerful enzymes might have on the human neurological system if they should invade the body by absorption or ingestion. However in one reported case, a patient in a hospital went into shock a died as a result of a spinal fluid injection. Subsequent investigation showed that the hypodermic syringe had been previously washed with a detergent containing a synthetic enzyme. The residue left on the syringe was sufficient to cause death.
Enzymes have been implicated in certain forms of leukemia. Neurotransmitter enzymes are responsible for the transmission of signals to muscle nerves. Parkinson’s disease is attributed to the slow deterioration of nerve signals which are triggered by quaternary enzymes (ie. acetylcholine). Studies have concluded that Parkinson’s disease is probably caused by unknown environmental triggers (12). Enzymes have been implicated in the growth of cancerous tumors and certain forms of leukemia (13).
Scientists have recently discovered that Alzheimer’s disease is attributed to particular protein fragments (amyloid betapeptides) which have been cut off or cleaved from a larger amyloid protein molecule by a particular protease enzyme referred to as BACE (11). While the chemistry of this reaction may be quite different from that of quaternary amines, it does emphasize that people who are exposed to chemicals that cleave proteins invite a serious health risk. The origin of Alzheimer’s disease has been attributed to the cleavage of proteins in the body, the same type of cleavage reaction that detergent enzymes promote in order to increase cleaning efficiency. Since detergent residues are normally present on dishes, drinking glasses, and eating utensils, the possibility of ingestion exists for all individuals. Laundry detergents leave residual detergents on clothes which may be subsequently absorbed by the body after contact with the skin. Hence most if not all individuals are exposed to these chemicals on a daily basis, both internally and externally.
Conclusion
It is clear that our health is dependent upon a delicate balance of chemistry between enzymes, hormones, vitamins and genes. Whereas the interdependence between these four organic species is highly complicated and not too well understood, minor disturbances can lead to catastrophic results. The introduction of a highly reactive biochemical agent such as a detergent enzyme into the human body may disrupt these complex reactions that are essential to good health and survival.
Thanks for the reading Gentlemen;
Good Fortune too;
Ed Valentine
cross-american corp.
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Hi Guys
It should be noted that the enzyme in Allergstop IS A NATURAL enzyme and as already mentioned uses the Key lock principle in that a specific enzyme for a specific job the product has been thoroughly tested and even at 5 times its strengh does not cause a reaction in humans 30 patch tested were completed for both inhalation and dermatology, The enzyme which is extracted from the Papaya fruit , which is also used to stimulate the bodies natural immune system.
Papaya fruit extracts:-
It also has potential as a therapeutic agent in many diseases associated with oxidative stress, positive effects have been documented with; Diabetes, Cancer, Aids, Parkinson, Alzheimer's, Psoriasis, Atherosclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Hepatitis, Asthma, Cataract, Epilepsy, Ischemic Reperfusion Injury. It allows patients to recover a better quality of life and safely supports conventional disease treatment, particularly heavy treatments such as chemo and radiotherapy.
A complimentary food supplement to medicines and drugs known to deplete immunity and reduce the bodies natural antioxidant compounds and enzymes.
Best regards Nick
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Hi Nick
Sounds like another great product from Solutions.
Could you tell me if you take it before, during or after meals? ;)
Safe and happy cleaning :)
Ken
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Truly some excellent replies here, especially the detailed information supplied by Ed.
It should be remembered that enzymes are proteins that have the ability tho break down other proteins - the building blocks of all animal life. For this reason alone they should all be treated with caution.
The fact that a protein is naturally occurring is in itself no guarantee that it is safe. Most of the venoms that occur in nature are in fact protein-based.
On the other hand, without certain proteins we could not exist - amylase and ptylin, for example, are components of saliva that start the digestion of fats by breaking them down to fatty acids and glycerol.
Apart from the health risks highlighted by Ed, the main reason that enzyme cleaning products not used in enclose environments (e.g.. a washing machine) are soon to be banned is that in use there is a risk of aerosol droplets being inhaled and any un-rinsed residue can form an air-borne dust which can also enter the lungs - which are composed of the same protein groups many of the employed enzymes are designed to attack.
Where a specific enzyme (e.g. auxillase) has been properly tested for a specified application and used exactly as directed, I would have little reservation over its' use.
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I must admit that John Bolton always has a much better way of explaining than most, including myself at the top of that list.
Great explaination John. And, it was refreshing to see that your temporary sabatical from the boards was never interupted by the valuable information you have always offered and continue to do so.
Thank you, and a sincere Welcome back!!!.
Good Fortune to all;
Ed Valentine
cross-american corp.
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Ed,
Thanks for your kind words but my few words pale in the light of your post.
And you are a pretty good wordsmith for a darn foreigner ;D
Respectfully,
John.
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Hi Guys,
For me the main point with any enzyme is that we have very little knowledge of any of the medium term effects of the use of chemicals , but short term experience is raising some worrying results.
To say something is naturally occurring and therefore safe is plain nonsense , plutonium for example.
As some of you know I am an advocate of the minimum chemical approach and believe using one chemical to fight the effects of another chemical is fundamentally unsound.
Cheers,
Doug
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most of my research into enzymes suggests exactly the opposite of what everyone here is suggesting? the article ed v lifted for his post is the only one to hint that they may cause a problem. try searching under enzyme cleaners on yahoo. does anyone actually know which enzymes are in which products? one huge benefit of enzymes as nick has identified is that they are great to kill microbes, bacteria etc. this is why they are such effective deodorisers. one other thing is they are perfectly enviromentally friendly. the phosphates, solvents, etc used in detergents microsplitters etc are lethal to fish, plants etc. read the cossh msds sheets enzyme cleaners invariably have the least worrying phrases. i personally have less health concerns using enzymes than using many other products.
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jcb...etc.,
I suggest that you repeat your research, there is sufficient evidence that many of the enzymes commonly used in out industry are detrimental to health that their use is to be banned in open-environment application.
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john b
could you point me towards the relevant reading as i do use them and if they are dodgy i will chuck mine away.
cheers
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jc,
What really put me off was a discussion I had with an enzyme chemist when I was developing these products a few years ago.
When I said I was using them in an open enviroment he was really worried and explained about the problem of dust causing asthma sensitisation.
Having just helped out at a cub weekend where one of the older scouts (12) had died from an asthma attack , this obviously affected me.
I am not trying to be alarmist but the fact that some companies have already withdrawn these products must say something.
Tread carefully,
Cheers,
Doug
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Doug
With respect>>
It comes across as alarmist, it would help if you actually knew what you were talking about, Natural enzyme cannot be compared to Plutonium in any sense of the word, here is some information for you perhaps it will help.
AllergSTOP®
The Intelligent Solution
For various forms of Allergy
The most frequent allergic cause of respiratory illnesses are plant pollen and spores, house dust, animal hair and mould spores
Patent 101 04 479 and PCT/EP 02/09684
Different types of allergies are on the increase.
1. Mites, one of the causes of these allergies, can be found everywhere. Mites live off human skin flakes that consist mainly of keratin protein. The best conditions for small dust mites (0.1 – 0.5 mm) is a climate with temperatures around 25°C and air humidity of 70 – 80%. Up to 10 million mites alone live in a mattress. A two year old pillow can have up to 10% of its weight made up of mites and their excrement. Humans lose approx. 1.5 g of hair and skin flakes each day – enough to feed around 1.5 million mites. However, the mites are not the real problem. The elements in the house dust that cause the allergy come directly from the secretions of the mites whose main component is protein, namely essentially polypeptides in the form of protein chains.
2. Mould spores are one of the most significant causes of allergic diseases indoors. Moulds are found on food, on wallpaper, in the bathroom and in all moist corners of the house. Complaints include colds, coughs and sneezing attacks. The most significant moult causing allergies are: aspergillus, penicillium, fusarium, alternaria, botrytis, mucor and cladosporium.
3. Another allergic effect comes from the keratin of fine animal hair. Almost one in three families keep pets and cats live in nearly half of the households. Usually substances from the skin and salivary glands, which stick to the hairs, cause the allergy.
4. Plant pollen and plant spores
Pollen is the cause of 86% of allergic reactions. From February till into October the pollen from grass and rye, trees and herbs causes problems to many people in the form of hay fever.
There are many products from the “allergy industry” to combat all of the complaints. Air purifier, vacuum cleaners with special filters, latex and foam mattresses just to mention but a few. It is also recommended to get rid of the carpet, to take away the cuddly toy animals or to part from the beloved pet.
We solve the allergy problem differently, that is to say, intelligently.
Let us look at the mite problem closer.
Up to now anti-mite agents which destroy the mites have been used in this area. For example terpenes in a watery solution are used to destroy amongst other things mites.
The task of our new patent was to use an agent and/or a combination agent which eliminates allergy reactive mite excrement, mould spores, pollen spores and also fine animal hair.
The problem was solved by using an agent to inhibit mite excrement and/or mould spores, whereby a type of enzyme (Auxillase) is used as an agent that breaks down the polypeptides of the mite excrement in the form of protein chains in oligopeptides (monopeptides, bipeptides and tripeptides) and/or the mould spores and in this way the broken down products no longer cause allergic reactions on humans.
The agent can also be a combination agent of several of the above enzymes together with water and/or the addition of other cleaning agents, aromas and preservatives.
The agent can also be used to denature animal hair keratin, so that in this way the broken down products no longer cause allergic reactions on humans.
The answer from SOLUTION Glöckner: AllergSTOP® based on the patented system of Auxillase (enzyme from papaya fruit).
The assortment contains at the moment:
Room spray, mattress spray, surface cleaner, carpet & upholstery cleaner and powder. Room spray works immediately. The other products have to act for approximately 10 minutes. Procedures can be repeated without any trouble since the substance is purely biological and harmless to humans. It is sufficient to clean carpets and upholstery twice a year.
Résumé:
The advantage for the user is very evident:
Maintenance of a high level of quality of life, because AllergSTOP® provides with its manifold range of products a significantly reduced air allergen burden. Non-dangerous contents allow repeated treatments with the active agents.
The following products are available:
Room spray
Mattress spray
Carpet and upholstery cleaner
Carpet and upholstery cleaner for wool. Woolsafe® approved
Surface cleaner
Powder
Additional products, such as nasal spray / nasal ointment are in preparation, allowing the concerned allergic persons more mobility outdoors. Furthermore, filter systems for ventilation and air conditioning are under way. Thus, ALLERGSTOP® makes an enormous contribution to quality of life and health. The career of an allergic hay fever to asthmatics caused by air allergens may soon be a thing of the past. All effects are scientifically proven and based on practical examinations (as per enclosed).
Dermatological tests (Dermatest 11/2003) of the active agents have been finished very positively (“Excellent/very good) as well.
I can supply more info if required
Best regards Nick
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Here is more info on enzymes
Chemical Nature of Enzymes
All known enzymes are proteins. They are high molecular weight compounds made up principally of chains of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds.
Enzymes can be denatured and precipitated with salts, solvents and other reagents. They have molecular weights ranging from 10,000 to 2,000,000.
Many enzymes require the presence of other compounds - cofactors - before their catalytic activity can be exerted. This entire active complex is referred to as the holoenzyme; i.e., apoenzyme (protein portion) plus the cofactor (coenzyme, prosthetic group or metal-ion-activator) is called the holoenzyme.
Apoenzyme + Cofactor = Holoenzyme
According to Holum, the cofactor may be:
1. A coenzyme - a non-protein organic substance which is dialyzable, thermostable and loosely attached to the protein part.
2. A prosthetic group - an organic substance which is dialyzable and thermostable which is firmly attached to the protein or apoenzyme portion.
3. A metal-ion-activator - these include K+, Fe++, Fe+++, Cu++, Co++, Zn++, Mn++, Mg++, Ca++, and Mo+++.
Specificity of Enzymes
One of the properties of enzymes that makes them so important as diagnostic and research tools is the specificity they exhibit relative to the reactions they catalyze. A few enzymes exhibit absolute specificity; that is, they will catalyze only one particular reaction. Other enzymes will be specific for a particular type of chemical bond or functional group. In general, there are four distinct types of specificity:
· Absolute specificity - the enzyme will catalyze only one reaction.
· Group specificity - the enzyme will act only on molecules that have specific functional groups, such as amino, phosphate and methyl groups.
· Linkage specificity - the enzyme will act on a particular type of chemical bond regardless of the rest of the molecular structure.
· Stereochemical specificity - the enzyme will act on a particular steric or optical isomer.
Though enzymes exhibit great degrees of specificity, cofactors may serve many apoenzymes. For example, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a coenzyme for a great number of dehydrogenase reactions in which it acts as a hydrogen acceptor. Among them are the alcohol dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase reactions.
Naming and Classification
Except for some of the originally studied enzymes such as pepsin, rennin, and trypsin, most enzyme names end in "ase". The International Union of Biochemistry (I.U.B.) initiated standards of enzyme nomenclature which recommend that enzyme names indicate both the substrate acted upon and the type of reaction catalyzed. Under this system, the enzyme uricase is called urate: O2 oxidoreductase, while the enzyme glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) is called L-aspartate: 2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase.
Enzymes can be classified by the kind of chemical reaction catalyzed.
1. Addition or removal of water
1. Hydrolases - these include esterases, carbohydrases, nucleases, deaminases, amidases, and proteases
2. Hydrases such as fumarase, enolase, aconitase and carbonic anhydrase
2. Transfer of electrons
1. Oxidases
2. Dehydrogenases
3. Transfer of a radical
1. Transglycosidases - of monosaccharides
2. Transphosphorylases and phosphomutases - of a phosphate group
3. Transaminases - of amino group
4. Transmethylases - of a methyl group
5. Transacetylases - of an acetyl group
Splitting or forming a C-C bond
6. Desmolases
4. Changing geometry or structure of a molecule
1. Isomerases
5. Joining two molecules through hydrolysis of pyrophosphate bond in ATP or other tri-phosphate
1. Ligases
There is plenty more available
Best regards Nick
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Done a bit of light reading over the weekend then Nick :o
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Hi Chris
All the time you know what they say about information
Best regards Nick
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Yes.........it makes your hair fall out.
Point proven.............now you read as much as me ;)
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I think there is a lot confusion going on. Some enzymes will do you harm, others wont. Ed talks about synthetic enzymes in cleaning detergents, this raises concern about the danger of employing chemical agents in detergents which may be absorbed by the skin and eventually into the blood stream where these catalysts could continue to randomly degrade protein matter and even interfere with DNA reproductive processes. Shoot me down if Im wrong, but Nick's Allerg stop works in in totally different way, it does not work by cleavage reaction that detergent enzymes promote in order to increase cleaning efficiency but uses the key-lock principle.
If Nick says its ok then thats good enough for me, others will have to make up their own minds.
Cheers
Mark
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Blast - I was going to say that, Nick :( ( ;D)
I think that the salient point here is that there are many enzymes in nature and an increasing number of synthetic ones. Without some, life as we know it (JIM) could not exist.
However the enzyme groups that sparked this discussion are primarily designed either by nature or by man to break down protein groups similar to those of which much of our body - especially our lungs - are constructed.
Hence enzymes that are applied to a greasy restaurant carpet, if allowed to become airborne either as aerosol droplets or residue dust may attack the human lung. The response of the bodies immune system may cause an attack of an auto-immune problem such as asthma.
Other enzymes, which do not act upon the relevant proteins will have no known effect.
To label all proteins as bad is as much a nonsense as labelling all bacteria as villains. Or all drugs, for that matter.
With products such as Prochem Enzyme Prespray (now withdrawn) I fully support Dougs position. With others, such as Auxillase, which has been tested in the same manner as a prescription drug, specifically to check for detrimental effects on the human body, that is a different matter entirely.
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Mark,
A good point.
The key-lock principal is an additional safety mechanism which effectively 'defuses' (locks) enzymes that have found thier target (key).
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Hi Guys,
We talk a lot about training on these boards , 2 day NCCA courses and all that and I am probably more chemically trained than most.(took a lot more than 2 days ;))
My reference to Plutonium was purely on the basis , that many salesmen claim that just because something occurs naturally that it is safe , it patently isn't.Tobacco, cyanide,carbon monoxide,etc
My comments were based on two conversations I had with a research chemist at Novo Nordisk ,a major enzyme supplier.
We can all lift stuff off the internet to make cases , I have no axe to grind just a belief from my days as a chemist that all chemicals have to be treated with respect.
Ironically I have often seen 'microsplitters ' referred to as the safe alternative to enzymes.
Cheers,
Doug
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Doug,
What made you leave the world of Chemistry.......... must be a damm site easier work than this.
And you get to wear a nice white coat ;D
ps............. your little picture is not some sort of bizarre Jeckyll & Hyde type experiment is it ?
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Chris,
Money and the gradual demise of manufacturing industry. :(
Thats me enjoying the ambience of Brugges , recommend to anyone.
Never been much of an alchemist though I'm getting better at turning CC into money , mainly thnks to these boards :D
Cheers,
Doug
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Doug
This is why AllergSTOP has been so extensively tested, in the Uk for instance it is normal to complete 12 patch tests for direct contact with the human skin, at normal concentration levels
AllergSTOP was tested 30 patches at 5 times the normal concentration level over a 72 hour period, it did not produce any reactions what so ever.
The internet is a massive provider of information on many things including scientific discoveries and development of chemicals and process' however lifting information is only worth doing if you understand it. Plainly your post did not offer concise answers only an alarmist attitude toward enzymes,
AllergSTOP is probably one of the most advanced if not the most advanced form of allergen treatment available, because it is so new, and because it is one, if not the only product that treat sall four air allergens, all other product treat the symptoms not the cause.
Best regards Nick
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Nick,
If you go back to the begining of this topic you can see that it clearly relates to detergent enzymes and my comments also related to my experiences with those products.
The enzyme chemist I spoke to, certainly was alarmed and the fact that many of these products have now been discontinued suggests he was right to be so!
As for your new product , not having been on the course I didn't even know that they were enzymes and as for their Health and Safety cannot comment.
On the subject of understanding chemistry having been an R&D chemist for about 6 years I clearly have a better understanding than most carpet cleaners but again cannot comment on your qualifcations as I don't know them.
Cheers,
Doug
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this post has been really informative to me and i will certainly restrict my use of (most) enzymes in the future. it strikes me that the information on most chemicals we use is pretty general and not really up to intense scrutiny such as we have given enzymes. for instance what enzymes are present in psprays shampoos etc. even what chemicals are present in any products? a cc gave me a bottle of chemspec POG what an evil smelling product. mine went straight in the bin. i remember dropping my watch in a full tank of form 90 putting my hand in to get it and getting a real stinging, burning reaction. and i am not allergic to this product!!!!(yet)
exercise caution (and wear gloves)
ps my watch was spotless
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Hi all,
What about microbiological cleaners/ stain& odour removers ? These come as concentrate dormant bacteria which when diluted with warm water is ready to use. It is in this active form that they make their own enzymes to break down the stain / odour. Interestingly in their concentrate form they are not COSSH regulated . Are these enzymes to be veiwed with caution ?
Mike
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Mike,
These products should indeed be treated with caution.
I do use them, exactly as directed, for specific problems and only in very small quanties and at suitable lacations.
I would not, for example use them on a carpet which may have a young baby crawling on it.
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Reading this Old post about Enzymes... Has anyone changed their mind/view over the years for any reason?
Are they safe?... ie:- is it safe to breathe in the vapour of the enzymes as you are mixing/preparing them with the water?
The way it sounds is like any ingestion of the enzymes would be very bad for your lungs... or is it only the dry residue that's dangerous?
Also... how long do the enzymes stay active to do their work in the carpet when you apply them?
Is it for example only as long as the water stays warm for & then as the water gets cooler & they become more inactive until when the water is finally cold again then the enzymes become inert?
Please explain as i don't know :)
cheers Jim
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Reading this Old post about Enzymes... Has anyone changed their mind/view over the years for any reason?
Are they safe?... ie:- is it safe to breathe in the vapour of the enzymes as you are mixing/preparing them with the water?
The way it sounds is like any ingestion of the enzymes would be very bad for your lungs... or is it only the dry residue that's dangerous?
Also... how long do the enzymes stay active to do their work in the carpet when you apply them?
Is it for example only as long as the water stays warm for & then as the water gets cooler & they become more inactive until when the water is finally cold again then the enzymes become inert?
Please explain as i don't know :)
cheers Jim
Safety wise .... read the introductory paragraph chapter2 here ...
It seems concerns relate to staff handling the ingredient during production , a process call encapsulation makes them safe by the time they reach the consumer .
http://www.aise.eu/documents/document/20131002145107-aise-enzymes-safe-handling-final-sept2013.pdf
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Wow that post brings back a lot of memories to me and I bet a lot of other guys :)
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Thank you John for that Interesting report which has now been saved in my carpet & upholstery cleaning research folder...
My personal summary/view on using enzymes in our line of work after reading that report is this... The people "Most" at risk from any adverse effects are the manufacturers & employees that come into direct contact with the unecapsulated enzymes at the time of manufacture... & even then the adverse effects are only temporary & mild at that :)
& Tbh i think we come in to more direct contact with enzymes every day just by wearing the clothes we wash with detergents in our laundry... & we come in to much more direct contact with those than we do for example walking on a carpet :)
Also i couldn't help thinking/wondering... we use enzymes as pre-sprays & spotters to break down protein based soilage etc etc & then we extract them out of the carpets with our machines... so if we extract them out of the carpets with our tank detergent solutions, how would/could they have been perceived as a possible health risk to customers in the first place?
The only way i can think of there being even a slight risk would be if they were applied to a carpet & then not extracted?
& even then according to that report the adverse effects are only temporary & no worse than dust mite allergies...
I am open minded & accept constructive criticism so if i am wrong in my way of thinking please tell me :)
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Hello again... I am interested to know for the purposes of my research into this topic of enzymes & their use
If anyone knows the answer to my question about "How long do enzymes stay active in the carpet"...
The reason i ask this is for the purpose of removing cat urine on a rug...
I recently cleaned a rug that was contaminated with Tom cat urine... it had peed a few times on the rug & it "Reeked"!!!
it had soaked through to the back & the area was damp with the pee... i took it from the customers house & brought it back to my place (Dumb, as my place now stunk of cat pee) lol
Anyway i laid out a tarpaulin/waterproof ground sheet & placed the rug on to that ready for cleaning whilst the Ninja warmed up... then i mixed up 3-4ltr of Craftex Pre-enzyme solution & applied every single drop of it to the front & the back..
I agitated it with the Sebo Duo & left it to dwell for 20 mins & then thoroughly HWE it (front & back) with some Ashbys Supreme powder plus... & some Extra Fresh... (im trying to use those up..lol)
Then i mixed up some Chemspec Kill Odour Plus again about 4ltr & Saturated the front & back again & re-agitated that in with the (newly cleaned) sebo... & then i left that for 20 mins also before i hwe'd again...
Then lots of Dry Passes before a light misting with Prochem Fibre & Fabric Rinse... Then i racked the rug in the lounge & set up a small fan for constant air movement...
It still smelled of cat wee in the localised area but all the rest of the rug smelled nice...
I cleaned it for a mate who had already deemed the rug "Tip Worthy" but wanted me to try just to see...
So... Did i not leave the enzymes on long enough? & how long do enzymes stay active for in a carpet once applied?
Please Help me by answering as i am just trying to be the best carpet cleaner i can be... & is the reason i ask technical questions & require in-depth answers... Imagine, its like i'm filling in all the gaps of information they don't elaborate on in the Prochem, Chemspec & Ashbys courses ive been to...
cheers jim
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I belief the enzymes are active while they are in a wet state and are held at an optimum temperature, although they will work to some degree with cold water they work at their best when a higher temp is maintained. Too high a temp with 'kill' them although I put kill in inverted commas as the cannot actually die as they are not like some believe a living organism or bacteria which digests the dirt, they are a catalyst.
I have heard of carpet cleaners extending their process by laying plastic over a treated stain to prolong the drying drying time,so the enzymes have longer to work. I have also heard that laying an electric blanket over a treated areas to have the same effect but this also has the added benefit that the temp is kept high.
Sometimes enzymes don't work because they are not the correct type for the job. their are broad spectrum enzymes that work on multiple situations but also their are some that are aimed at specific jobs eg: urine contamination, heavy organic soil, cesspit cleaning, odour control etc.
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Thank you Mike I appreciate your answer as i know from reading other posts that you have a vast wealth of knowledge & experience (along with others) in the industry :)
I have been studying the posts on particular key-word searches here in the forum & tbh i find our chosen profession absolutely fascinating... especially when the science is explained...
There is soooo much more to carpet & upholstery cleaning than just owning an extraction machine & good products/solutions
It really helps when you can understand exactly what a product is doing on a molecular level & the effects of different products on different fibre types etc etc
Would you or anyone know which type or particular brand name enzyme is the absolute best for severe urine contamination?
Atm i have "Craftex Pre-enzyme Solution"... & if this is not the "Best" one for urine, which application would this particular
enzyme be best suited for?