What is The HYPOCHLOROUS ACID ? WHAT is HOCL?   Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypochlorous_acid   From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Hypochlorous acid is a weak, unstable acid with chemical formula HOCl. It occurs only in solution and is used as a bleach, an oxidizer, a deodorant, and a disinfectant. In aqueous solution, hypochlorous acid partially decomposes into the hypochlorite anion ClO- (also known as the chlorate(I) anion) and the proton H+. The salts of hypochlorous acid are also called hypochlorites. One of the best known hypochlorites is household bleach, sodium hypochlorite (NaClO). When pure chlorine is added to water, it forms hypochlorous acid and hydrochloric acid (HCl): 　　　 Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is the stronger form of free chlorine, and hydrochloric acid (HCl) lowers pH and alkalinity. In biology, hypochlorous acid is used by neutrophils to kill bacteria. *What is ORP (Oxidation Reduction Potential) and PH issue. ORP stands for Oxidation-Reduction Potential. In some parts of the world, it is also known as Redox Potential. We can see examples of oxidation all the time in our daily lives. They occur at different speeds. When we see a slice of apple turning brown, we are looking at examples of relatively slow oxidation. When we look at a fire, we are witnessing an example of rapid oxidation. We now know that oxidation involves an exchange of electrons between two atoms. The atom that loses an electron in the process is said to be "oxidized." The one that gains an electron is said to be "reduced." In picking up that extra electron, it loses the electrical energy that makes it "hungry" for more electrons. Chemicals like chlorine and ozone are all oxidizers. It is their ability to oxidize - to "steal" electrons from other substances - that makes them good water sanitizers, because in altering the chemical makeup of unwanted plants and animals, they kill them. Then they "burn up" the remains, leaving a few harmless chemicals as the by-product.     *Is the Hypochlorous acid[HOCL] really harmless to human being? http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=178.1010 *Sterilization & Disinfections Sterilization (or Sterilisation) is the elimination of all transmissible agents (such as bacteria, prions and viruses) from a surface or piece of equipment. This is different from disinfection, where only organisms that can cause disease are removed by a disinfectant. Disinfectants sterilize surfaces, medical equipment and other man-made objects.