São Paulo, Brazil - July 22, 2009
Always concerned about the well-being and safety of its customers and users, The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) makes available to the market the UCARSAN® product line, a safe and proven effective sanitizer against several microorganisms that cause a number of diseases, including the Influenza A-type viruses, which have been disseminating and are a matter of concern worldwide.
The glutaraldehyde-based sanitizer was specially formulated for sanitizing fixed surfaces in poultry and swine facilities. With the objective of preventing the diseases that affect animals raised in confined areas from spreading, UCARSAN® was extensively tested and proven effective against bacteria, fungi and viruses that cause animal and human diseases.
According to Débora Takahashi, Dow’s specialist in Research and Development for Latin America and PhD in Microbiology, the UCARSAN® products are very effective when properly and correctly used. “When applied according to the indicated dilution level in walls, floors and appliances with which animals get in contact, UCARSAN® shows to be effective against the Avian Influenza and other microorganisms that cause diseases in animals and human beings, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndromes (SRAs), Salmonellosis, etc.”
“After that the focus of the disease is identified, the environment must be emptied and the product applied. Further to that, the area can be once again prepared to receive the animals, thus preventing the disease from spreading,” Débora adds.
As announced by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on May 4, 2009 and based on available scientific information, EPA believes that the products currently registered to fight Influenza A are effective against the H1N1 virus, responsible for the flu outbreak in 2009, and other Influenza A viruses in fixed and non-porous surfaces. For the safe and effective use of these products, users must follow instructions and pay special attention to dilution levels (if applicable) and contact time”, Débora completes.
UCARSAN® products are registered in the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA) and must not be in directed contact with animals and people when applied. Additionally, the formula components of UCARSAN® products are approved by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) as active ingredients allowed to be used in sanitizers for general and hospital use.
Approved by the US Center for Disease Control and endorsed by the World Health Organization, UCARSAN® presents low toxicity and when properly used, prevents major health problems from taking place, primarily in the case of the person responsible for its application.
Another advantage in its use is that it does not affect the environment and is readily biodegradable.
About Dow
With annual sales of $58 billion and 46,000 employees worldwide, Dow is a diversified chemical company that combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element” to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The Company delivers a broad range of products and services to customers in around 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. On April 1, 2009, Dow completed its acquisition of Rohm and Haas, a global specialty chemicals company with annual sales of $10 billion in 2008 and 15,000 employees worldwide. References to “Dow” or the “Company” mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.
About Dow
For Editorial Information:
Juliana Monteiro
The Dow Chemical Company
55 11 5188-9118
Isa Miamoto
Porter Novelli
55 11 3323-1576
isa.miamoto@porternovelli.com.br
