4th Method

What is the 4th Method?

The name of our company is derived from the fact that, until recently, there were three known legacy methods for creating chlorine dioxide formulas. Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) has been around for a long time, and has gained acceptance as probably the most effective oxide molecule available for inactivating microbes. Historically, the drawbacks associated with chlorine dioxide have come about because of the technologies and methods used to manufacture the solutions.



Because of these developments, 4th Method has created a family of advanced, highly effective solutions for surface disinfection, for skin care to soothe and improve the appearance of acne and rosacea, and for soothing dermal treatments for large and small animals. Check back for the market release of these advanced formulas in the near future!

4th Method's Revolutionary Solution

In response to the ever-evolving challenges in protecting against harmful microbial pathogens, whether bacterial, viral or fungal, 4th Method has introduced a groundbreaking technology, called Electro-Biocide, that combines fast 60-second pathogen kills with unrivalled product safety.

Key Features of Electro-Biocide disinfectant 

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Versatile

Electro-Biocide can be safely used in a myriad of settings on an array of hard surfaces. Additionally, it is approved as a soft surface sanitizer for fabrics and upholstery, and as a no-rinse food contact surface sanitizer. Electro-Biocide is also an excellent all-purpose cleaner, and effectively eradicates smoke odors, pet odors and musty smells.

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Environmentally Friendly

Electro-Biocide is produced via proprietary methods that result in a pure, clean and low concentration formula. The active ingredient breaks down quickly after use, and other formula ingredients are fully biodegradable.

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Safe

In rigorous third-party testing, Electro-Biocide achieved EPA’s lowest toxicity rating, Category IV, termed “Practically Non-Toxic” via all routes of exposure, proving best-in-class formula safety for users, patients, children and pets. 

A New Approach to Microbial Disinfection: ELIMINATE the Problem

4th Method introduces a new class of disinfectants, Energized Disinfection Solutions. The Electro-Biocide product has undergone rigorous testing, and a closely related product was even successfully tested as an eye treatment for both bacterial and chemical infections on the ocular surface by scientists and doctors at Anschutz Medical Center in Aurora, CO. Electro-Biocide has been successfully used in numerous assisted living and long-term care facilities, arresting dangerous outbreaks of Norovirus and Influenza, all without any noted adverse impacts among staff and patients.

EPA-Tested and Approved

Our product is EPA-registered and has received the safest possible toxicity rating. The novel mechanism of action ensures that microbes are destroyed rapidly and irreversibly (in only 60 seconds), eliminating the possibility of mutation and resistance development.

Breakthrough Mechanism of Action

Electro-Biocide disinfectant solution destroys pathogenic microbes in only 60-seconds of contact. The product functions via a novel mechanism wherein the microbe is completely destroyed rapidly and irreversibly. Scanning Electron Microscope photos show near immediate destruction of the microbe’s cell wall, inactivating the pathogen and alleviating the potential for mutations and development of resistance to disinfectant products.

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Broad Spectrum of Activity

Electro-Biocide has successfully wiped out the following pathogens:

Bacteria

  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • Listeria monocytogenes
  • Methicillin Resistant Staph aureus (MRSA)
  • Carbapenem Resistant Escherichia coli (CRE)
  • Salmonella enterica
  • MDR Acinetobacter baumannii
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae
  • Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) 
  • Klebsiella aerogenes

Viruses

  • SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19 Virus)
  • Hepatitis A Virus
  • Influenza Type A (H1N1) Virus 
  • Human norovirus (Feline calicivirus)
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1 (AIDS)) 
  • Rhinovirus Type 37 
  • Canine parvovirus

Fungi

  • Trichophyton mentagrophytes

Electro-Biocide is also approved as a no-rinse food contact sanitizer in 60 seconds of contact, and a soft surface sanitizer for natural and synthetic fabrics in 4 minutes of contact.

Unrivaled Toxicity Profile

Electro-Biocide boasts an unrivaled toxicity profile with its unique formulation technology. It earned an EPA toxicity rating of Category IV, the lowest available. This means the product is "practically non-toxic," with no warning or danger label statements required. It is uniquely suited for safe, fast and effective cleaning and disinfecting applications.

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A New Standard in Disinfection

Electro-Biocide represents the new standard for cleaning and disinfecting. You no longer buy a harsh, concentrated chemical formula and have to safely store it prior to use. This breakthrough product is a safe and energized formula. You buy the product that you need to fit your use profile, and can sign up for automatic shipments for convenience. Per EPA, the product maintains full efficacy when stored at room temperature for 35 days, and if you want longer life, simply place it in the refrigerator for 5 full months of storage. This ensures that the product is fully effective to protect your safety, and we make it easy to keep a fresh supply of Electro-Biocide on hand as you need it.

Electro-Biocide: Competitive Landscape

Electro-Biocide represents a totally new and powerful approach to disinfection technology. The product overcomes a myriad of hazards and shortcomings common to traditional chemical disinfectants. Some of the major classes of legacy disinfectant products are noted below.

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Hydrogen peroxide

  • Inhalation hazards (per CDC Guidance) – Inhalation can cause powerful adverse reactions including significant morbidity.
  • Skin and Eye contact – can cause irritation to skin and mucous membranes.
  • CDC recommends discontinuing use in healthcare settings due to incidences of asthma attacks and other respiratory issues.
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Sodium hypochlorite (Bleach)

  • Toxic effects are due primarily to the corrosive nature of hypochlorite
  • Active chlorine component can halogenate organics, creating carcinogenic compounds
  • Even dilute solutions can cause mild to severe eye irritation.
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Quaternary Ammonium compounds (Quats)

  • Quat residues on surfaces can cause skin irritation and burning on sensitive skin
  • Regular use on fabrics can cause materials to become scratchy, stiff, and have a propensity to hold dirt in place. Residues can be harmful if contacted with skin or inhaled.
  • Quats can accumulate in the liver, lungs and kidneys, and no antidotes or reversal agents exist for Quat toxicity
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Peroxides and Quats

  • A formula comprised of a blend of hydrogen peroxide and quaternary ammonium – basically the same issues as noted for peroxided and quats, above.
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Hypochlorous acid formulas (HOCl)

  • Active chlorine atom can halogenate organic materials, resulting in carcinogenic compounds.
  • Corrosive to many metal surfaces.
  • Strong chlorine odor may be offensive or cause respiratory issues in patients.

Partnering Opportunity

4th Method is actively seeking development and marketing partners to expand the reach and impact of our revolutionary disinfecting, deodorizing and cleaning solutions. Our innovative approach to disinfection offers a unique opportunity for partners to join us in transforming the disinfection industry.

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CDC Hydrogen Peroxide Guidance In ATSDR

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) of the CDC

Read about the complete toxicology warning on Hydrogen Peroxide

More about CDC Hydrogen Peroxide Guidance in ATSDR

  • Inhalation

    Inhalation of vapors, mists, or aerosols from concentrated solutions of hydrogen peroxide can cause significant morbidity. Because it is nearly odorless and nonirritating except at high concentrations, persons may not be aware of its presence. No odor threshold was located for hydrogen peroxide (the OSHA PEL is 1 ppm). Detection of odor does not provide adequate warning of hazardous concentrations. Hydrogen peroxide vapor is heavier than air and may cause asphyxiation in enclosed, poorly ventilated, or low-lying areas.

  • Skin/Eye Contact

    Hydrogen peroxide is poorly absorbed through intact skin. When used for household disinfectant purposes (3% to 5%), it is mildly irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. At a concentration of 10%, which is found in some hair-bleaching solutions, it is strongly irritating and may be corrosive. 


    Children are more vulnerable to toxicants affecting the skin because of their relatively larger surface area: body weight ratio.

  • Standards and Guidelines

    OSHA PEL (permissible exposure limit): 1 ppm (averaged over an 8-hour work shift) 

    NIOSH IDLH (immediately dangerous to life or health) = 75 ppm 

    AIHA ERPG-2 (emergency response planning guideline) (maximum airborne concentration below which it is believed that nearly all individuals could be exposed for up to 1 hour without experiencing or developing irreversible or other serious health effects or symptoms which could impair an individual’s ability to take protective action) = 50 ppm

  • Can hydrogen peroxide poisoning be treated?

    There is no proven antidote for hydrogen peroxide poisoning, but its effects can be treated, and most persons get well. Persons who have experienced serious symptoms may need to be hospitalized.

Join Us Now

The 4th Method looks forward to collaborating with you to bring our revolutionary dermal clearing solutions to a broader audience and improve the lives of those affected by dermal conditions worldwide.

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