The Effectiveness of Bleach in the Prevention of Hepatitis C Transmission - Final Report

Prepared for:
Hepatitis C Prevention,
Support and Research Program
Community Acquired Infections Division
Centre for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control
Population and Public Health Branch
Health Canada

Prepared by:
Aleina Tweed M.Sc.,
Mel Krajden MD,
FRCP (C) BC Hepatitis Services,
BC Centre for Disease Control

2004

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction
   1. Overview
   2. Methodology
2. Hepatitis C
   1. Hepatitis C Virus
   2. Modes of Transmission.
3. Summary of the Data on the Use of Bleach as a Disinfectant
   1. HCV Disinfection with Bleac
   2. Factors Affecting HCV Inactivation
   3. Studies on the Efficacy of Bleach for Disinfecting
   4. Injecting Equipment
4. Bleach Use Among Injection Drug Users
5. Comparison of the Efficacy of Bleach in Preventing Hepatitis B and HIV Transmission.
   1. Hepatitis B
   2. Overview
6. Harm Reduction Programs
7. Summary
8. Recommendations
9. References

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Final Report

This document was initiated/prepared by the former Population and Public Health Branch of Health Canada before the creation of the new Public Health Agency of Canada on September 24, 2004. The new Agency is now responsible for its release and dissemination.

Published by authority of the Minister of Health

This publication can be made available on computer diskette or in large print upon request.

The opinions expressed in this paper are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Public Health Agency of Canada.

© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of Health 2004

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