Although the cleaning product OxyCide has been marketed by manufacturer EcoLab as a daily disinfectant meant to keep hospitals clean and protect patients, workers who use the cleaner claim that the chemicals in the substance may cause painful side effects.

What Is OxyCide Daily Disinfectant Cleaner?

OxyCide Daily Disinfectant Cleaner is a cleaning product manufactured by EcoLab, a global provider of cleaning products and commercial healthcare, hospitality, and food service products. OxyCide is meant to be used by hospitals and other commercial businesses that need to maintain a high level of cleanliness. According to EcoLab, OxyCide is capable of killing harmful germs including Clostridioides difficile and Candida auris, which cause the infection C. diff and yeast infections.

However, although the cleaner is capable to destroying these dangerous pathogens, it may also be harmful to workers who come into contact with the solution or breathe in the fumes. According to some workers who have experienced harmful side effects after working with the product, the ingredients in OxyCide may be especially harsh on the skin and eyes.

What Are OxyCide Ingredients?

OxyCide Daily Disinfectant Cleaner contains hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid. Together, these chemicals form peracetic acid. Peracetic acid is known to be toxic, and may cause side effects related to the respiratory system and the skin. Although the substance is commonly used as a disinfectant and cleaner, even low levels of exposure may result in adverse effects. High levels of exposure to OxyCide ingredients may be extremely hazardous to human health.

What Are OxyCide Side Effects?

Most OxyCide cleaner side effects irritate the skin, eyes, or respiratory system. Low levels of exposure to the cleaning product may result in asthma-like symptoms such as shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, as well as bronchospasms, chest tightness, coughing, or even anaphylaxis. The cleaning product may also cause headaches, dizziness, upset stomach, or nausea.

Breathing in the fumes from the cleaner may cause a burning sensation in the nose, throat, or lungs, nose bleeds, allergic rhinitis, or chemical burns inside of the throat. Some people have reported experiencing problems with their vocal cords, such as loss of their voice or hoarseness. Contact with the substance may result in stinging or burning eyes, skin rash or burns, or allergic reactions. Cracked or burned hands are a commonly reported side effect, as well as raw or chapped lips and mucous membranes.

While occasional exposure to the chemicals in OxyCide may only result in unpleasant side effects, repeated exposures may cause real harm to the lungs and other internal organs. Exposure to OxyCide may result in liver damage, kidney damage, or lung damage. It may also increase the risk of experiencing circulatory problems or fluid accumulation in the lungs. Some side effects of the substance may be serious enough to warrant hospitalization and medical treatment.

Who Is at Risk of Being Harmed by OxyCide?

As OxyCide is most commonly used in hospitals, clinics, and other medical centers, the workers who clean these environments are most at risk of experiencing symptoms. Although some cleaners may wear personal protective equipment including gloves or masks when using the substance, many people may be unaware of the potential dangers of coming into contact with the substance.

Additionally, due to the powerful nature of the cleaner, OxyCide may be growing in popularity outside of medical settings. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, OxyCide is one of several cleaning products capable of destroying the coronavirus. Due to this endorsement, people may be using OxyCide not only in commercial settings but also in their homes. People who are using OxyCide to protect against the coronavirus may be unaware of the potential dangers of coming into contact with the solution.

What Are Some OxyCide Daily Disinfectant Symptoms to Look Out for?

While many people who use the daily disinfectant either do not experience negative symptoms or experience only mild discomfort, other people may have an extreme reaction. If you suffer from a burning sensation in your throat or eyes, skin rash or blisters, or difficulty breathing, you may require medical attention. Additionally, if you become injured due to contact with OxyCide, you may be able to speak with an attorney about your legal rights.

What Do Worker’s OxyCide Complaints Say?

Many hospital workers have gone on strike due to their employer’s requirement that they use OxyCide. Cleaners at St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka, Calif. protested in 2018 after several employees claimed to suffer from health problems related to use of the cleaner.

Additionally, employees at UPMC Magee-Women’s Hospital in Pennsylvania have also spoken out about the chemicals. One of the workers spoke to the PGH City Paper, stating, “It burns my eyes, it makes them water. It burns my throat. The best way to describe it is it’s like working with onions. You have no relief, unless you take a break and go some place that’s well ventilated so you can get some air.”

According to one study of almost 250 workers at various UPMC locations, more than 80% of respondents reported experiencing negative side effects after exposure to OxyCide. In addition to common complaints such as a burning sensation in the nose, many employees also reported headaches and vomiting.

At least one complaint has been filed with the Occupation Safety and Health Administration about the use of OxyCide. Although the chemicals in the cleaning product may make hospitals cleaner and safer for patients, sanitation workers argue that the product makes hospitals dangerous for workers who have to interact with the harsh chemicals.

If you have suffered from severe OxyCide side effects such as burns, allergic reactions, respiratory problems, internal organ damage, or other effects, you may be eligible to speak with an experience attorney about your legal rights. Some victims of OxyCide injuries may be able to join or file a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer of the daily disinfectant.

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.