Barbicide
Barbicide is a disinfectant solution used by barbers and cosmetologists for disinfecting grooming tools such as combs and hair-cutting shears. Manufactured by King Research, it was invented in 1947 by Maurice King and marketed heavily around the United States by his brother James.[1]
Barbicide is a United States Environmental Protection Agency–approved combination germicide, pseudomonacide, fungicide, and a viricide effective against HIV-1, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Its active ingredient is alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (5.12% by volume); sodium nitrite and blue dye are also present.[2]
Barbicide is sold as a concentrate diluted for use in a ratio of 2 ounces (57 g) of Barbicide concentrate mixed into 32 ounces (910 g) of water,[3] with each stylist having a container for treating their own tools.
At one time, several US states legally required barber shops to use Barbicide and according to the maker, two states continued to in 1997.[1] A jar of Barbicide sits on display in the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Martin, Douglas (1997-06-22). "The Smithsonian Celebrates Barbicide, A Barbershop Germ Killer Born in Brooklyn". The New York Times. p. 2. Retrieved 2007-09-20.
- ^ "US EPA, Pesticide Product Label, BARBICIDE, 04/06/2015" (PDF). EPA. April 6, 2015. p. 2.
- ^ Barbicide FAQ