FAQs

coronavirus: name for a group of viruses that attack the respiratory system on humans and other animals

COVID-19: the illness caused by the contraction of the novel (new) coronavirus outbreak that started in December of 2019

SARS-CoV-2: the name of the specific novel coronavirus that is causing COVID-19

The novel (or new) coronavirus = SARS-CoV2

References:

• https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance/naming-the-coronavirus-disease-(covid-2019)-and-the-virus-that-causes-it
• https://www.nfid.org/infectious-diseases/coronaviruses/
• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/summary.html

Unlike bacteria, Viruses are not living organisms. They cannot replicate outside hosts. A virus is a microscopic piece of genetic material surrounded by a coat made of proteins. The virus attaches and enters healthy cells of a host then hijacks them, creating copies of itself.

To deactivate a virus, use a proven chemical or heat (158F / 70C for extended time or 176F / 80C for less than a second).

To remove (wash off) viruses, use soap and water (the warmer/hotter the better) and some direct agitation (either rubbing or pressure).

While there is certainly a lot going on that affects all business and commercial operations, Steamericas is proceeding according to our normal operating hours and processes. We’re taking the recommended measures to protect our staff and our customers and will respect any future calls to the public to participate in efforts to protect the public.

There are no immediate delays to our supply chain, only in that there has been a recent increase in demand. We intend to meet that demand while continuing to support our existing customers so that they are ready to go when they are called to clean and sanitize with the Optima Steamer.

We’ll let everyone know if anything changes.

The only data we as a society should be relying on right now is scientifically validated data coming from the officials and specialists leading us through this situation.

While we have supporting data that shows steam’s effectiveness at removing or deactivating virus, and the CDC, WHO and other scientific bodies have data published related to evidence of moisture at temps above 80°C deactivating other coronaviruses, there is no specific validation done with the Optima Steamer and the virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2).

With that said, we believe the Optima Steamer is a potentially a perfect tool for combatting the outbreak when used in conjunction with proper containment and disinfection.

Currently, the CDC recommends cleaning and disinfecting, pointing to a list of EPA-registered products approved for responding to COVID-19 infections, found here: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2

Given the current state of fear, confusion and exploitation, any other claims are premature. Treating this outbreak lightly or without proven information can put your or others’ lives at risk.

In the case of responding to and preventing the spread of COVID-19, we want all our customers to be safe. If there is confirmed exposure to contamination, immediately contact your local authorities and follow their guidance.

The CDC recommends using PPE (personal protection equipment) including goggles, a respirator-type mask, gloves and clothing protection. Any type of cleaning or spraying can disturb the virus contagions causing them to be airborne. Clothing and porous materials should be treated as hazardous and laundry machines equipped with steam features should be used.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html

We recommend going to the CDC’s website for guidance when it comes to responding to COVID-19, specifically their information regarding cleaning and disinfecting workplaces, found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html.

We are continuing to collect resources and data to assist customers on how they should respond to the outbreak safely and following official directives. The latest recommendations and data can be found here https://www.steamericas.com/COVID-19/

Any techniques, uses or claims not supported by the CDC should be avoided.

The short answer is yes, it looks that way.

Viruses aren’t “alive”, so they can’t be “killed”. It’s important to understand what a virus is in order to deal with it.  The proper terminology is to deactivate or inactivate.

The data is promising. We have done validations on other microorganisms  and the growing list of public information points to the virus being deactivated when being exposed to moisture and temperatures over 80°C (175°F)… steam. Furthermore, the Optima Steamer delivers temps up to 120°C (250°F) at the gun tip. Here is the data we are watching and will share more as it surfaces:

• WHO (World Health Organization): boiling water is capable if inactivating viruses: https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/Boiling_water_01_15.pdf
• CDC: steam for disinfecting (deactivating viruses):
  https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/disinfection/sterilization/steam.html
• Hindawi: temperature and moisture capable of deactivating SARS (another famous coronavirus):
  https://www.hindawi.com/journals/av/2011/734690/

We should look to the CDC. And the official CDC website has specific recommendations for cleaning and removing the novel coronavirus, and they recommend referring to their list of EPA-registered products approved for use in combating COVID-19, found here. Treating with bleach is among the recommended list.

The virus is so new. Because the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is still new, there is no specific validation yet for steam deactivating (the proper term) it… but we’re working on it.