FAQs & Resources
The iHP Process
TOMI specializes in the design, manufacture, and application of complete disinfection/decontamination solutions for airborne and surface contamination in all environments, including those that follow cGMP and cGLP specifications. The TOMI iHP Service Division was established to provide dedicated bio-decontamination solutions with a focus predominant on verticals in Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Hospital, Pharmacy, Laboratory, and Bio-safety industries. To meet specific customer and regulatory requirements, the iHP Service Division is able to offer a range of disinfection/decontamination solutions suitable for regulatory controlled aseptic processing facilities from BSL-3 and BSL-4 laboratories through to large research establishments.
- Annual shutdown bio-decontamination
- Commissioning bio-decontamination
- De-commissioning of areas used for pathogen work
- Eradication of problematic micro-organisms
- Emergency bio-decontamination for accidental release or spillage of micro-organisms
- Routine bio-decontamination of high containment labs (BSL)
- Isolator and pass through bio-decontamination
- Bio-safety cabinet bio-decontamination
- Eradication of problem micro-organisms contaminating laboratory results and invalidating experiments
With this comprehensive disinfection/decontamination iHP service offering and many successful services delivered globally and domestically, TOMI is proud to be a decontamination leader in the use of iHP manufacturing, service, and delivery.
DARPA Inspired
In response to the 2001 Amerithrax (Anthrax attacks), the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and a large U.S. defense contractor joined forces to develop Binary Ionization Technology (BIT) platform and its SteraMist brand which proved to be capable of defending against biological and chemical agents.
TOMI recognized the importance of this disruptive and innovative technology. In addition to its uniqueness, TOMI also recognized the ability to address a global need. TOMI, along with many other companies, started a bidding process to commercialize, manufacture, and secure the rights, patents, and prototypes for SteraMist BIT.
After several years of negotiations, TOMI won the rights and started the process to secure all necessary registrations. The first step was to register with the EPA; therefore, TOMI initiated successful GLP testing on Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus, the two required pathogens for an EPA Hospital-HealthCare label.
In June 2015, the EPA granted TOMI the first ever solution and technology combination registration. From that point forward, registrations in all 50 states were secured and are currently maintained. Further claims were received for C. difficile spores and h1n1, in addition to registration with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration as a disinfectant medical device (Reg. #3012117386) and further addition of microbes to its efficacy with the EPA.
TOMI filed and received multiple design patents both domestically and abroad to further enhance its listing of IP. In July of 2017, TOMI was awarded rights to the iHP registered trademark. This was soon followed by TOMI’s approved BIT label to be distributed through its SteraMist product line in Canada. Additional trademark registrations, both word and logo marks, were filed and accepted in multiple countries including Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan. As the customer base expands and manufacturing demands increase, the TOMI commitment to ongoing research and development efforts remains constant.
Resources
White Papers
SDS/MSDS & EPA Label
Frequently Asked Questions | FAQ
TOMI’s branded line of products. This represents the next generation disinfectant for the decontamination industry.
The product which is registered with the EPA as a Hospital-HealthCare Disinfectant, Effective Broad-Spectrum Disinfectant. TOMI’s disruptive technology that utilizes plasma science.
SteraMist produces a visible mist/fog, which is composed of the Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), the Hydroxyl Radical. These are created by mechanically altering the sole active ingredient, hydrogen peroxide, in TOMI’s BIT solution, by passing through the cold plasma arc. Learn more about the iHP Process.
SteraMist products may be used in a variety of settings, please refer to our EPA registration for all use sites. Learn more about the businesses and industries we serve.
TOMI has proven that the aerosol is nontoxic and is labeled as only an irritant. It has superior compatibility towards all products and materials including delicate hospital equipment and sensitive pharmaceutical and biosafety lab technologies. See material compatibility studies.
The comprehensive TOMI training program instructs all end-users on the appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) dependent on their specific geographic location. TOMI adheres to OSHA and CalOSHA standards; all respiratory protection is NIOSH approved.
Manual cleaning can produce inconsistent results because the user can easily miss areas during the clean. Further, completing a disinfection cleaning protocol with SteraMist offers greater coverage, in less time, and superior results with a 99.999% (six log) reduction and depending on the clean product, a manual clean will only provide a 99.9% or 99.99% (3 or 4 log reduction).
For C.difficile rooms, all fluids and visible debris need to be removed with an approved EPA spray product. Then SteraMist is applied. The user sprays, applying the mist for 5 seconds per square foot. A high touch clean for highly contaminated areas can be treated in 3 minutes or less.
Similarly to these products, SteraMist moves like a gas. However, SteraMist is much less toxic and corrosive than chlorine dioxide or formaldehyde. For those companies that want to move away from potential carcinogenic decontamination processes, which many global regulators are already doing, SteraMist is an effective replacement.
VHP requires all areas to be completely sealed and pretreated to specific humidity and temperature ranges. These products can be highly corrosive and leave residues that affect materials compatibility. SteraMist is much more flexible (Surface Unit does not require HVAC turned off), non-hazardous to ship and store, and demonstrates superior compatibility with electronics since there is no need to wipe, and no residue is left behind.
VHP requires all areas to be completely sealed and pretreated to specific humidity and temperature ranges. These products can be highly corrosive and leave residues that affect materials compatibility. SteraMist is much more flexible (Surface Unit does not require HVAC turned off), non-hazardous to ship and store, and demonstrates superior compatibility with electronics since there is no need to wipe, and no residue is left behind.
UV light can be effective at short distances and with a clear line of sight. Many UV light systems require the machine to be moved around or multiple machines need to be used for complete treatments. UV light bulbs have a limited lifespan and are very expensive to replace. SteraMist has low ongoing costs, is easy to maintain, and offers quick and flexible treatment options.
Bleach may be inexpensive, however, bleach has high health costs because the safety of its user is at risk. Further, costs can increase because bleach damages materials, stains fabrics, and is difficult to dilute properly and accurately; therefore, receiving an efficient kill may be unlikely.
Contact Us today for a personalized assessment and recommendation based on your requirements.
SteraMist currently has clients using the Surface Unit to treat BSCs. Further, A TOMI technician can write a protocol for both SteraMist products to be used on a case by case basis.
Yes, SteraMist is ideal for electronics. The iHP process provides a dry mist/fog and a short contact time, leaving no residue. SteraMist can quickly and easily treat electronics including delicate medical and scientific equipment.
After treatment, all surfaces will be covered with the residual mist/fog, similarly to the way a mirror fogs after a shower, it will quickly evaporate.