While Dr Jain’s research article¹ was prompted by environmental pollution and the escalated use of cleaning and disinfecting agents to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is worth noting the benefits of using natural, bio-enzyme cleaners instead of harmful, chemical cleaners.
HARMFUL CHEMICALS
Chemicals are ubiquitous in our surroundings. In fact, most manufactured products contain chemicals. Unfortunately, some of these chemicals (like fluorinated compounds, BPAs or phthalates) can leach from goods. Leached chemicals are usually found in indoor air, water, food, dust and in our bodies.
Chemical-based cleaners, when discharged as part of our greywater, pollute water bodies, air and soil. For instance, laundry detergents contain phosphate and non-biodegradable, branch-chained, alkyl sulphonates, which cause persistent foaming when discharged into our water courses. Other chemicals, like bleach, are highly corrosive. Bleach also emits harmful gases (ammonia and chlorine) when combined with other cleaning agents.
Discharged chemicals have been associated with various diseases and disorders including cancer, cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological diseases.
NATURAL BIO-ENZYMES
In nature, there is a balance of pathogens (i.e. disease-causing organisms) and non-pathogens. Non-pathogens are beneficial to their environment. By sanitising our atmosphere with chemical cleaners, we are potentially destroying non-pathogenic microbes too.
Bio-enzymes have the amazing ability to breakdown, change, create and catalyse functions that make it a natural cleaning aid. These cleaners utilise non-pathogenic, enzyme-producing bacteria to digest waste.
The application of bio-enzymes is widespread. Research has shown how bio-enzymes:
Convert ammonia to nitrate, a natural and useful hormone and nutrient for plants.
Help in transforming carbon dioxide into carbonate ions, which have the potency to nourish plants, fish and other living creatures in the ocean.
Eliminate pollutants (ammonia, nitrogen and phosphates) from water bodies.
While being produced, emit ozone which has the potential to separate carbon dioxide and other heavy metals from the air which ultimately helps to reduce the heat trapped in the atmosphere.
Could cut down the cost of waste disposal, by using fruit and vegetable waste as production input instead of removing it to landfills.
Can be used as a natural insect and pest repellent, especially for mosquitoes.
Have anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties [as an aside, try our Virus Gobbler™ Bioflavonoid Disinfectant to prevent the spread of pathogens].
Are a natural and safe replacement for all the harsh and harmful chemicals that are normally used in cleaning, personal hygiene, washing fruits and vegetables to remove pesticides, and many more applications.
Dr Jain concludes: “Bio-enzymes have the potential to efficiently detoxify and transform pollutants and possibly curb the chemical chaos.”
1: Jain, K 2021, 'Curbing Chemical Chaos against COVID-19 by Simple Solitary Solution – A Mini Review on Bio-Enzymes', Medical and Research Publications, Abstract Volume: 2 Issue: 3.