Arch Chemicals Reports that Studies Confirm that Vantocil(TM) Product Controls Norovirus, a Leading Cause of Acute Gastroenteritis.

MANCHESTER, England -- Arch Chemicals, Inc. announced today that research has demonstrated that its VANTOCIL(TM) product, which has long been used as an ingredient in human hygiene disinfectant products in Europe, effectively controls Feline calicivirus (FCV), the globally accepted surrogate for Norovirus, which cannot be cultivated in vitro. Norovirus is a major cause of acute gastroenteritis. Although it gained notoriety because of several outbreaks on cruise ships, it is also common in other semi-closed environments such as hospitals, nursing homes and schools.

Research work performed by BluScientific Test Data at Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland showed that VANTOCIL(TM) was effective within one minute in controlling Feline calicivirus in the presence of high levels of organic material. These test results are important, since control measures must be effective in the presence of organic material, as the total cleaning of most environments is impractical. VANTOCIL(TM) is based on the active ingredient poly (hexamethylenebiguanide) hydrochloride (PHMB). The PHMB antimicrobial from Arch(TM) Biocides has a proven track record over many years in providing both broad spectrum bactericidal and virucidal activity in a diverse range of human hygiene products marketed in many parts of the world.

Public health authorities in the United States and England estimate that Norovirus accounts for two-thirds of all acute gastroenteritis (AGE) cases in the United States and is the most common cause of infectious gastroenteritis in England and Wales. As few as 100 viral particles are sufficient to cause infection in a human, according to research conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Proper hand hygiene and surface disinfection play a crucial role in preventing the spread of the illness.

There are very few alternatives for disinfecting Norovirus outbreak locations, and some existing products have limitations and safety issues. "Other disinfectants that have been used to disinfect Norovirus tend to be corrosive to most environmental materials and are only useable for very short periods of time, while VANTOCIL(TM) is stable for up to two years," said Dr Terry Yeates, Business Manager, Health & Hygiene, Arch(TM) Biocides.

In the United States, VANTOCIL(TM) is registered for formulating hard-surface sanitizers and disinfectants, but not yet for specific use against Norovirus. Arch chemists and toxicology and regulatory experts can help customers incorporate VANTOCIL(TM) into their disinfectant products in the United States and provide advice to help them secure needed regulatory approvals.

Arch antimicrobials can be used in a variety of applications in markets around the world. Subject to national regulations, Arch biocides typically are marketed to the industrial and institutional hygiene industry, the food and beverage industry, household products, pet care products, lavatory care, laundry care and healthcare. For more information, please visit www.archbiocides.com.

Headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut (USA), Arch Chemicals, Inc. is a global, specialty chemicals company with approximately $1.3 billion in annual sales. Arch and its subsidiaries have market leadership positions in the Treatment and Performance Products segments, where they provide leading customers with forward-looking solutions to meet their chemical needs. Together with its subsidiaries, Arch has approximately 3,000 employees worldwide and manufacturing and customer-support facilities in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. For more information, visit www.archchemicals.com.