Media Room

Press Release - August 6, 2009

Unique Canadian-Made Hand Sanitizer Kills H1N1

TORONTO – Independent test results on a Canadian-made hand sanitizer show it protects against the H1N1 virus, providing a major boost in preventing the spread of infection. The patented formula is proven to kill H1N1 on contact within 15 seconds.

The sanitizer, which retails under the name Purmist, was developed by Robert Reeve, a horticulturist in Erin, Ontario over nine years ago. Its properties were known to be effective as a sanitizing agent but an accredited American laboratory determined in late June that it had the capacity of killing the H1N1 virus.

“What’s important as well is that Purmist forms a protective barrier aided by a unique formulation of natural essential oils and stays on the hands like a protective glove,” said Mr. Reeve.  

The accredited lab tests show the product instantly killing the virus in 15-second and up to 60-minute intervals to determine its efficacy against H1N1. Results showed the Purmist hand sanitizer killed 99.97 per cent of the H1N1 viral cells at both stages of testing.

“Recently, ATS Labs tested Purmist V-001 against Swine Influenza A (H1N1) virus, Strain A/Swine/Iowa/15/30, ATCC VR-333,” said Douglas Anderson, Ph.D. and President of ATS Labs. “Fifteen-second and 60-minute exposure resulted in complete inactivation of the virus in this test, or in quantitative terms, greater than a 99.97 per cent reduction in 15 seconds and 60 minutes.”

The product is non-toxic and safe for use in children.  The product is available with essential oils derived from oranges, lemons, or lavender.  A fourth unscented variety is available. Purmist would be ideal for day care centres, summer camps, schools, nursing homes, and health centres, for example.

“Purmist is moisturizing, prevents dry skin, and protects the beneficial bacteria that exist on our skin which help fight off infections such as staphylococcus aureus, the bacteria known as MRSA that is prolific in Canadian hospitals,” said Mr. Reeve. “Purmist is a healthy product to use, it hydrates the skin, and it kills harmful bacteria and the H1N1 virus.”

Purmist was originally developed for firefighters to give a protective barrier under their gloves and keep the hands moisturized to prevent chaffing and dryness from frequent hand washing.  Purmist is endorsed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. The product is currently available at Mark’s Work Wearhouse and planning is underway to make it available in drug stores and retailers as soon as possible.

“This virucidal testing was performed under FDA ‘Good Laboratory Practice’ Regulations (21 CFR Part 58) and in accordance with ATS Labs’ Standard Operating Procedures and standard protocols,” confirmed Dr. Anderson.

Purmist is approved and regulated by Health Canada, as well as the US Food and Drug Agency. It is available in personal 7.1mL misters for quick and easy application. In the fall of 2009 a new 125mL mister, table top and touchless wall mount versions will also be available.