BioSafe partners with other industry leaders and NIOSH in discussions regarding peracetic acid (PAA)

EAST HARTFORD, CT – BioSafe Systems, a member of the Peroxy Compounds Task Force (PCTF) – Peracetic Acid Group which consists of PAA manufacturers, along with the National Chicken Council and Aseptic and the Antimicrobial Processing and Packaging Association (AAPPA) is working in collaboration with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) on setting a new proposed Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) value for airborne peroxyacetic acid in various commercial operations.

BioSafe Systems and most other members of the PCTF – Peracetic Acid Group believe the peracetic acid (IDLH) value proposed by NIOSH is overly conservative and not based upon sound science. The PCTF is working with NIOSH to increase the proposed (IDLH) value by providing relevant data and information.

The current NIOSH proposal would increase cost and add inconvenience for hatcheries, farms and plants using peracetic acid. PAA atmospheric monitors will likely be required and results tracked in addition to added Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Affected industries include poultry, beef, swine and vegetable processing, aseptic packaging operations, hospitals and commercial disinfection operations.

BioSafe Systems is concerned about worker safety and we are working with the meat and poultry industry to minimize potential exposure to employees and USDA inspectors, and with NIOSH to set an IDLH value based on scientifically supported data.