PRODUCTION OF AN IZAL

1.0 What is Izal?

Izal is a Germicide that serves as an important cleansing substance that helps
to destroy bacteria and germs which cause infection and illness to man and
even animals. A germicide is a chemical substance that is capable of killing
germs such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or protozoans. It is capable of killing
many microorganisms.

1.1 Uses of Izal Germicide

i. Izal is used for cleaning the floor, toilet, bathroom, kitchen counter, or
slabs, and tiles.
ii. It is useful in daily domestic cleanness of environment.
iii. For external use such as cuts, sores and insect bites.

1.2 Chemicals Used in the Production of Izal

The chemicals for making Izal are;
 Lysol
It is a powerful germicide, and the liquid may look light pink or yellow in
color. It is a cleaning and germ killing agent and active in the disinfectant.

 Texapon
It is chemically known as Sodium Laureth sulfate. Texapon cause damage to
the airways when inhaled and can irritate the skin and eyes when in contact
with these surfaces. It acts as boosting agent in the production process.
 Carbolic acid
This is a highly corrosive acid that is very toxic. Contact with the skin
causes burns. It acts as a boosting agent that kills germs.
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  Izal Concentrate
A liquid concentrate that is pinkish in color but very irritating when in
contact with the skin. It kills germs on contact.
 Pine oil
It is an essential oil that is highly concentrated and extracted from the pine
tree and is the main ingredient that gives Izal its germicidal or disinfectant
effect and acts as a cleaning agent in the germicide.
 Izal Booster
This is a milky liquid that enhances the effect of other ingredients in Izal and
boosts the quantity of the germicide produced.
 White Binder or Whitener
A powdery substance that binds other chemicals and makes the mixture
appear whitish. It gives the germicide the characteristic white colour.
 Phenol
This is a yellowish or clear liquid that has a disinfectant effect and
potentiates the germicidal effect of Izal together with pine oil. Phenol is
corrosive to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.

1.3 Quantities of Izal ingredients for making 5 liters of the Germicide

 2 grams of Texapon (1 cup)
 140 ml of Phenol (1 cup)
 135 ml of Lysol liquid (1 cup)
 100 ml of Pine oil – (1/2 cup)
 140 ml of Izal Concentrate (1 cup)
 5 grams of White binder – 1 cup
 140 ml of Carbolic acid – 1 cup

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  135ml of Izal Booster – 1 cup
 Water should be 4 liters

1.4 Steps involved in Izal germicide making

a. First, dissolve the 2 grams of texapon in 2 liters of water in a plastic
container and then stir until texapon is completely dissolved. It is
normal for this mixture to become frothy.
b. Now add the 140 ml of Phenol to the mixture and continuously stir
c. Add 100ml of pine oil and then stir it gently and properly to avoid
splashing on you as pine oil is concentrated.
d. You can then add 135 ml of Lysol and stir also
e. Add about 200 ml of the Izal Booster and keep stirring. Your mixture
will still be frothy, so don’t be scared.
f. Pour 2 liters of water to it
g. Dilute the 140 ml of carbolic acid and the 5 grams of the white binder
(or whitener or white spirit) with a little water and add it to the other
content and stir.
h. Add 140 ml of the Izal concentrate and stir very well
i. Use a strainer or sieve of the desired size to filter the formed Izal
before storage

1.5 Precautions in the Making of Germicide

 Always use protective wears: The chemicals for making Izal are
harmful to humans and spillage into the eyes or inhalation into the
lungs can cause severe damage. Therefore, there is a need for eye

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 goggles and nose masks as well as the use of plastic hand gloves to
protect the hands against corrosion or irritation.
 Asthmatics or people with respiratory allergies should not be involved
in this process: Since these chemicals can irritate the airways, people
with respiratory problems should not be involved as even the use of a
nose mask does not totally prevent complete irritation.
 The mixing of chemicals and the production process should be in a
well-ventilated area. When you begin to combine the izal ingredients,
a lot of fumes will be produced; hence the process should be carried
out in a large space with good ventilation.
 Germicide chemicals are highly flammable: avoid making Izal near
heat or flames as the ingredients are highly flammable.
 Children should not be around you to avoid burns. All chemicals
should be placed out of reach of children.
 Always ensure the chemicals you are buying are genuine. It is worthy
of note that from the start of the production process, always
continuously stir the ingredients until you finish. This ensures all
chemicals react appropriately.