Didecyldimethylammonium Chloride (DDAC) is an antiseptic/ disinfectant that is used in many biocidal applications. It is a broad spectrum bactericide, used as disinfectant cleaner for its enhanced surfactancy for linen, recommended for use in hospitals, hotels and industries. It is also used in gynaecology, surgery, ophthalmology, pediatrics, OT, and for the sterilization of surgical instruments, endoscopes and surface disinfection.
Didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride is a fourth generation quaternary ammonium compound which belongs to the group of cationic surfactants.They break the intermolecular bond and cause disruption of lipid bi-layer. This product have several biocidal applications. In addition to these applications, sometimes DDAC is used as plants strenghtners. Didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride is used for surface disinfection such as floor, walls, tables, equipments etc. and also for water disinfection in various applications through out food and beverage, dairy, poultry, pharmaceutical industries and institutions.
DDAC is a typical quaternary ammonium biocide for indoor and outdoor hard surfaces, utensils, laundry, carpets, swimming pools, decorative ponds, re-circulating cooling water systems, etc. Inhalation exposure to DDAC is also estimated to be relatively low for various occupational handlers such as in agricultural premises and equipment, food handling/storage premises and equipment, and commercial, institutional and industrial premises and equipment. It is added directly to water to suppress microorganisms; the application rate of DDAC varies according to its usage, i.e., approximately 2 ppm for swimming pools, compared with 2,400 ppm for hospitals, health care facilities, and athletic/recreational facilities.
DDAC is used for various purposes, such as a fungicide for coolants, an antiseptic for wood, and disinfectant for cleaning. Despite the increasing likelihood of DDAC inhalation, available data on its toxicity from inhalation are scarce.
