Prevent Facility Closures: Norovirus & Ozone Water Solutions
RISK MANAGEMENT
Norovirus Countermeasures and Ozone Water
Next-Generation Hygiene Management: Eliminating the “$40,000+ Risk" of Facility Closure
A Single Infection Can Be Fatal to Facility Operations
In nursing homes and daycares, a Norovirus outbreak is not just a “seasonal illness." Once a cluster infection occurs, facilities are often forced to halt new admissions or completely shut down for weeks to a month to comply with health department guidelines and ensure safety.
Outbreak in a Short-Term Care Facility (20 beds)
・ Revenue opportunity loss due to a 1-month closure: Over $40,000.
・ In addition to this, hidden debts such as post-incident emergency cleaning costs, staff overtime pay, and the loss of the facility’s public trust pile up.
Protecting the “lives and health" of highly vulnerable elderly individuals and infants is our absolute mission.
Building upon that foundation, implementing reliable infection control is not merely a “cleaning task on the floor"—it is the “most critical management challenge to prevent staff exhaustion and protect facility operations."
The Fatal Limitations of Current Standard Procedures (Sodium Hypochlorite)
Currently, when vomiting occurs, many facilities process it according to a manual like the following.
- Full PPE: Staff wear masks, caps, and disposable protective gowns.
- Initial Disinfection: Spray sodium hypochlorite (diluted solution) onto the vomit.
- Physical Removal: Wipe from the outside in using paper towels and seal for disposal.
- Thorough Cleaning: Clean the area where the vomit was and the surrounding 2-3 meters.
- Final Sterilization: Spray sodium hypochlorite again and finish by wiping with water.
⚠️ Why Do Infections Spread Despite These Methods?
Sodium hypochlorite has been heavily relied upon for years, but operational challenges have become evident in the field.
- Inactivation by Organic Matter (Dirt): The presence of organic matter, such as vomit, causes bactericidal power to drop sharply.
- Risk of Resistant Viruses: Using insufficient concentrations—due to dilution errors or long-term storage degradation—fails to fully deactivate viruses and risks creating resistant strains.
- Toxicity and Workload: Strong chlorine odors pose health risks to users and staff. The mandatory “water wipe-down" to remove chemical residue further burdens already understaffed facilities.
The Overwhelming Superiority of the New Standard: “Ozone Water"
Breaking through the limits of chemicals to protect facilities more safely and reliably. The answer is the utilization of Ozone Water (O3), generated simply from “water and oxygen." Ozone is said to possess about 7 times the bactericidal (oxidizing) power of sodium hypochlorite, neutralizing pathogens extremely powerfully and swiftly.
[Important] The Correct “Hybrid Use" of Sodium Hypochlorite and Ozone Based on Guidelines
Infectious disease control guidelines from major health authorities, such as the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), generally recommend using sodium hypochlorite for the “direct treatment of vomit and feces" from Norovirus patients. We do not advocate replacing this 100% in violation of official manuals.
However, relying solely on sodium hypochlorite leads to issues such as “metal corrosion," “skin irritation," and “toxic gases or intense odors." Therefore, AIC recommends a “Hybrid Strategy": combining pinpoint direct treatment conforming to guidelines (sodium hypochlorite) with wide-area finishing wipes, daily prevention, and spatial disinfection (ozone) to thoroughly protect your facility and staff.
| Comparison Item | Sodium Hypochlorite | High-Concentration Ozone Water |
|---|---|---|
| Disinfection Speed | Slow (Requires 10–30+ min of contact) | Extremely Fast (Deactivates in 30 seconds to a few minutes) |
| Resistance to Organic Matter | Weak (Deactivates quickly if vomit/dirt is present) | Strong (Oxidizes dirt and viruses together) |
| Safety / Skin Irritation | Leaves residue. Severe skin irritation & corrosion. | No residue. Reverts back to water and oxygen. |
| Workload | Requires dilution and secondary wiping. | Direct from generator. No secondary wiping needed. |
[Efficacy Data] Ozone water has been proven by various research institutes to achieve a 99.9%+ deactivation rate against norovirus surrogates (such as Feline Calicivirus) at just a few ppm. For more details, see “Basic Knowledge of Ozone" and efficacy data.
1. Direct Destruction Prevents “Resistance"
With about 7 times the oxidizing power of sodium hypochlorite, ozone directly and physically destroys the virus’s cell membrane (proteins). By breaking down the structure itself, it leaves no room for resistant viruses to emerge.
2. No Secondary Wiping. Ultimate Safety
After reacting, ozone quickly reverts to “oxygen" and “water." Since there are absolutely no toxic residues, it eliminates the need for the secondary water wiping required by sodium hypochlorite, preventing skin issues and facility corrosion.
From Daily Handwashing to Emergency Cleaning
By installing an ozone water generator, you can produce an endless supply of powerful disinfecting water just by turning on the tap. This eliminates the hassle of diluting and storing chemicals, drastically reducing running costs.
View the Commercial Ozone Water Generator “AIC Water Ozonizer" 👉
[Solution] Protecting Facilities with the “Dual-Wielding" Power of Ozone Water & Gas
AIC Water Ozonizer
(L-Clean DX)
This single unit is capable of both direct disinfection using “High-Concentration Ozone Water" and spatial disinfection using “Ozone Gas."
- Daytime: Use high-concentration ozone water for handwashing, surface wiping, and daily hygiene management.
- Nighttime: Release ozone gas in an unoccupied environment to automatically disinfect the entire space.
[Recommended] Complete “Surface & Space" Protection with Sodium Hypochlorite + Ozone
The terrifying aspect of Norovirus is that dried vomit particles drift through the air, causing “airborne infection (droplet nuclei infection)." Combining reliable initial treatment based on guidelines with the overwhelming sterilizing power of ozone creates the most robust defense line.
STEP 1
Guideline-Compliant “Initial Treatment"
After putting on protective gear, properly perform primary treatment and sealed disposal of the vomit itself using sodium hypochlorite, etc., exactly as outlined in the manual.
STEP 2
“Thorough Wiping" with Ozone Water (Preventing Secondary Infection)
After removing the vomit, use ozone water to clean the wide surrounding area. With about 7 times the bactericidal power of sodium hypochlorite, it destroys invisible scattered viruses while eliminating the need for a secondary wipe, preventing facility corrosion and staff skin irritation.
STEP 3
Spatial Countermeasures for Airborne Viruses (BT-180H)
To prevent airborne infection from vomiting, disinfect the room with a high-performance ozone generator. By using the BT-180H, you can safely neutralize viruses in the space even when people are present.
* Click here for information on the safety of AIC ozone generators.
Frequently Asked Questions: Norovirus and Ozone Water
Running costs are drastically reduced after installation.
Ozone water is generated using only “water," “air (oxygen)," and minimal electricity, eliminating the need to continuously purchase chemicals every month. It also directly cuts labor costs (working time) by removing the hassle of chemical dilution, inventory management, and secondary wiping. Even factoring in the initial investment, it is an extremely cost-effective choice for long-term facility operation.
It is extremely safe for both humans and the environment.
Once the disinfection and deodorization reaction is complete, ozone water quickly reverts to ordinary “water" and “oxygen." Unlike sodium hypochlorite, it does not generate toxic gases or leave residues, so there are no concerns about skin irritation or facility corrosion. It can be safely used in spaces where staff and users are present.
Yes, it can be utilized for all kinds of daily hygiene management.
It can be used for a wide variety of purposes throughout the facility, including handwashing, kitchen equipment cleaning, sanitizing cutting boards, wiping doorknobs and wheelchairs, and deodorizing restrooms. It provides consistent hygiene management straight from the tap, without the hassle of adjusting chemical concentrations for different locations.
Yes, it exhibits extremely high deactivation efficacy against a wide range of viruses and bacteria.
Ozone’s powerful oxidation (about 7 times that of sodium hypochlorite) is effective against the influenza virus, E. coli (O-157), and food poisoning bacteria. Because it directly destroys the viral structure itself, it works powerfully even against non-enveloped viruses (such as Norovirus) that are resistant to alcohol, without causing resistant strains to emerge.
[Summary] Preventing Facility Closures Due to Norovirus
Shifting from reactive treatment solely with “Sodium Hypochlorite" to
fundamental risk elimination via a “Hybrid Approach with Ozone Water."
- ✔
Avoid Tens of Thousands of Dollars in Losses: With about 7 times the instant deactivation power, it prevents outbreaks (cluster infections) and the subsequent facility closures. - ✔
Direct Destruction Without Building Resistance: By directly oxidizing the viral structure, it ensures effectiveness even in the presence of organic matter (dirt). - ✔
Zero Residue, No Double-Wiping: By using ozone for wide-area cleaning after guideline-based initial treatment, it drastically reduces staff workload and health risks (skin irritation and chlorine odor). - ✔
Massive Reduction in Running Costs: Eliminates continuous chemical purchases. Generate exactly what you need, when you need it, straight from tap water.
We Propose the Optimal Installation Plan Tailored to Your Facility’s Size
“Which equipment suits our facility?" “What are the actual costs?" Please feel free to consult with us.
We will protect your facility’s safety with expertise cultivated since our founding.
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RISK MANAGEMENT
Norovirus Countermeasures and Ozone Water
Next-Generation Hygiene Management: Eliminating the “$40,000+ Risk" of Facility Closure
A Single Infection Can Be Fatal to Facility Operations
In nursing homes and daycares, a Norovirus outbreak is not just a “seasonal illness." Once a cluster infection occurs, facilities are often forced to **halt new admissions or completely shut down for weeks to a month** to comply with health department guidelines and ensure safety.
Outbreak in a Short-Term Care Facility (20 beds)
・ Revenue opportunity loss due to a 1-month closure: Over $40,000.
・ In addition to this, hidden debts such as post-incident emergency cleaning costs, staff overtime pay, and the loss of the facility’s public trust pile up.
Infection control is not merely a “cleaning task"—it is a critical “management challenge to protect facility operations."
The Fatal Limitations of Current Standard Procedures (Sodium Hypochlorite)
Currently, when vomiting occurs, many facilities process it according to a manual like the following.
- Full PPE: Staff wear masks, caps, and disposable protective gowns.
- Initial Disinfection: Spray sodium hypochlorite (diluted solution) onto the vomit.
- Physical Removal: Wipe from the outside in using paper towels and seal for disposal.
- Thorough Cleaning: Clean the area where the vomit was and the surrounding 2-3 meters.
- Final Sterilization: Spray sodium hypochlorite again and finish by wiping with water.
⚠️ Why Do Infections Spread Despite These Methods?
Sodium hypochlorite has been heavily relied upon for years, but operational challenges have become evident in the field.
- Inactivation by Organic Matter (Dirt): The presence of organic matter, such as vomit, causes bactericidal power to drop sharply.
- Risk of Resistant Viruses: Using insufficient concentrations—due to dilution errors or long-term storage degradation—fails to fully deactivate viruses and risks creating resistant strains.
- Toxicity and Workload: Strong chlorine odors pose health risks to users and staff. The mandatory “water wipe-down" to remove chemical residue further burdens already understaffed facilities.
The Overwhelming Superiority of the New Standard: “Ozone Water"
Breaking through the limits of chemicals to protect facilities more safely and reliably. The answer is the utilization of Ozone Water (O3), generated simply from “water and oxygen."
| Comparison Item | Sodium Hypochlorite | High-Concentration Ozone Water |
|---|---|---|
| Disinfection Speed | Slow (Requires 10–30+ min of contact) | Extremely Fast (Deactivates in seconds to minutes) |
| Resistance to Organic Matter | Weak (Deactivates quickly if vomit/dirt is present) | Strong (Oxidizes dirt and viruses together) |
| Safety / Skin Irritation | Leaves residue. Severe skin irritation & corrosion. | No residue. Reverts back to water and oxygen. |
| Workload | Requires dilution and secondary wiping. | Direct from generator. No secondary wiping needed. |
[Efficacy Data] Ozone water has been proven by various research institutes to achieve a 99.9%+ deactivation rate against norovirus surrogates (such as Feline Calicivirus) at just a few ppm. For more details, see “Basic Knowledge of Ozone" and efficacy data.
1. Direct Destruction Prevents “Resistance"
Ozone directly oxidizes and physically destroys the virus’s cell membrane (proteins). Unlike chlorine-based chemicals that merely deactivate the virus, it breaks down the structure itself, leaving no room for resistant viruses to emerge.
2. No Secondary Wiping. Ultimate Safety
After reacting, ozone quickly reverts to “oxygen" and “water." Since there are absolutely no toxic residues, it eliminates the need for the secondary water wiping required by sodium hypochlorite, preventing skin issues and facility corrosion.
From Daily Handwashing to Emergency Cleaning
By installing an ozone water generator, you can produce an endless supply of powerful disinfecting water just by turning on the tap. This eliminates the hassle of diluting and storing chemicals, drastically reducing running costs.
View the Commercial Ozone Water Generator “AIC Water Ozonizer" 👉
[Solution] Protecting Facilities with the “Dual-Wielding" Power of Ozone Water & Gas
AIC Water Ozonizer
(L-Clean DX)
This single unit is capable of both direct disinfection using “High-Concentration Ozone Water" and spatial disinfection using “Ozone Gas."
- Daytime: Use high-concentration ozone water for handwashing, surface wiping, and vomit treatment.
- Nighttime: Release ozone gas in an unoccupied environment to automatically disinfect the entire space.
[Recommended] Complete “Surface & Space" Protection with Ozone Water + Gas
The terrifying aspect of Norovirus is that dried vomit particles drift through the air, causing “airborne infection (droplet nuclei infection)." Disinfecting “surfaces" (floors and walls) with ozone water, combined with “spatial disinfection" using an ozone gas generator to neutralize airborne viruses, creates the most robust defense line.
STEP 1
Protection and “Direct Oxidation" of Vomit
After putting on PPE, directly spray ozone water on the vomit and its surroundings. This immediately suppresses viral spread and attacks the virus directly with powerful oxidation.
STEP 2
Thorough Wiping with Ozone Water
After removing the vomit, wipe down a wide surrounding area using paper towels soaked in ozone water. Unlike chemicals, no secondary wiping is necessary, allowing for rapid recovery.
STEP 3
Spatial Countermeasures for Airborne Viruses (BT-180H)
To prevent airborne infection from vomiting, disinfect the room with a high-performance ozone generator. By using the BT-180H, you can safely neutralize viruses in the space even when people are present.
* Click here for information on the safety of AIC ozone generators.
Frequently Asked Questions: Norovirus and Ozone Water
Ozone water is generated using only “water," “air (oxygen)," and minimal electricity, eliminating the need to continuously purchase chemicals every month. It also directly cuts labor costs (working time) by removing the hassle of chemical dilution, inventory management, and secondary wiping. Even factoring in the initial investment, it is an extremely cost-effective choice for long-term facility operation.
Once the disinfection and deodorization reaction is complete, ozone water quickly reverts to ordinary “water" and “oxygen." Unlike sodium hypochlorite, it does not generate toxic gases or leave residues, so there are no concerns about skin irritation or facility corrosion. It can be safely used in spaces where staff and users are present.
It can be used for a wide variety of purposes throughout the facility, including handwashing, kitchen equipment cleaning, sanitizing cutting boards, wiping doorknobs and wheelchairs, and deodorizing restrooms. It provides consistent hygiene management straight from the tap, without the hassle of adjusting chemical concentrations for different locations.
Ozone’s powerful oxidation is effective against the influenza virus, E. coli (O-157), and food poisoning bacteria. Because it directly destroys the viral structure itself, it works powerfully even against non-enveloped viruses (such as Norovirus) that are resistant to alcohol, without causing resistant strains to emerge.
[Summary] Preventing Facility Closures Due to Norovirus
Shifting from reactive treatment with “Sodium Hypochlorite" to
fundamental risk elimination with “Ozone Water."
- ✔
Avoid Tens of Thousands of Dollars in Losses: Instant deactivation prevents outbreaks (cluster infections) and the subsequent facility closures. - ✔
Direct Destruction Without Building Resistance: By directly oxidizing the viral structure, it ensures effectiveness even in the presence of organic matter (dirt). - ✔
Zero Residue, No Double-Wiping: Since it reverts to water and oxygen, it drastically reduces staff workload and health risks (skin irritation and chlorine odor). - ✔
Massive Reduction in Running Costs: Eliminates continuous chemical purchases. Generate exactly what you need, when you need it, straight from tap water.
We Propose the Optimal Installation Plan Tailored to Your Facility’s Size
“Which equipment suits our facility?" “What are the actual costs?" Please feel free to consult with us.
We will protect your facility’s safety with expertise cultivated since our founding.