Electrolyzed oxidizing (EO) water, also known as Denkaisui in Japan, or electro-chemically activated water (ECA or ECAW), is a solution generated by passing a dilute salt solution (NaCl and KCl are commonly used) through an electrolytic cell. The anode side of an electrolytic cell, from which acidic EO water is obtained, produces various chlorine compounds and ions such as hypochlorous acid (HOCl), hypochlorite ion (OCl-) and chlorine gas (Cl₂), which are all collectively known as free chlorine. HOCl is the main antimicrobial agent present in EO water. EO water generally has a low pH (2.3 – 2.7) and a high oxidation – reduction potential (ORP) (> 1000 mV). On the cathode side of the electrolytic cell, a dilute solution of NaOH is generated, and this is sometimes referred to as electrolyzed reducing (ER) water. Unlike EO water, the principal use of ER water is not in the reduction of microbial numbers. Instead, ER water is mainly used as a degreaser and cleanser. Additionally, work has been done on the health benefits of ER water in terms of cancer prevention, wound care, skin care and also as drinking water for improving digestion and cow milk production. Chemically, ER water is characterized as having a high pH (10-11.5) and a low ORP (-800 to -900 mV).

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Washing with the flowing acidic electrolyzed waters (hypochlorous acid water) was examined for the effect on the bacterial decontamination of disposable plastic and rubber globes touched with foods (radish sprout, soybean sprout, opened and dried horse mackerel, minced meat). It turned out that all of the contaminated general bacteria were remarkably eliminated, indicating better effect than the globe washing with tap water. Glove rubbing following spraying a small amount (3.3ml) of hypochlorous acid waters showed a certain decontaminating effect that is better than tap water, but lower than an alcoholic agent (WELPAS).

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Effect of long-term ingestion of potable alkaline electrolyzed water (AEW) on lipid peroxidation in rats were studied. Firstly, we examined that the addition of oxidized soybean oil to commercial MF diet to meet 25% lipids in diet (25MF) was effective in increasing thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in plasma and liver of rats (Exp. 1). Then, MF or 25MF diet with tap water or AEW were fed to rats for 2 months (Exp. 2). Ingestion of AEW effectively reduced plasma and liver TBARS , especially in the group fed 25MF diet. On the other hand, weight of epididymal fatty pad decreased by AEW and liver total glutathione content and plasma adiponectin concentration were increased by AEW. Thus, the effect of AEW ingestion was apparent in high lipid dietary conditions and contribution to the fortification of anti-oxidative environment in body was presumed.

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We investigated the acidic and alkaline electrolyzed waters generated in an approved automatic endoscope-washing and -disinfecting apparatus for their eliminating effect on the ceramic cylinder and endoscope which were contaminated with in vitro with mycobacteria, Helicobacter pylori and bovine viral diarrhea virus as an alternative of hepatitis C virus. It turned out that washing with the acidic electrolyzed water (pH2.5; 30ppm available chlorine) following the alkaline electrolyzed water (pH11.0) was effective for the elimination of the contaminated bacterial species and virus. The results suggested the approved endoscope-washing and -disinfecting apparatus should work well in its clinical use.

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