Room decontamination with hydrogen peroxide vapor

Abstract

A system for microbially and / or chemically decontaminating a room such as a hotel room includes a vapor generator which supplies a decontaminant vapor, such as hydrogen peroxide vapor to the room. The room is then aerated to a level at which it is safe for normal occupants to enter. By using a two step aeration, with a second step at lower humidity than the first, the concentration of residual hydrogen peroxide is reduced rapidly to safe levels of 1 ppm or less, typically about 0.5 ppm, in under four hours. The room is rendered substantially free of contaminants, such as those responsible for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Norwalk virus, and unpleasant odors.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a method for decontaminating closed bodies such as hotel rooms, hospital wards or laboratories. The present invention is particularly useful for decontaminating rooms having upholstery and carpets therein, as will be described in particular below. Background technique [0002] Larger enclosures such as rooms and buildings are invariably contaminated by a wide variety of microbial contaminants, including bacteria, fungi, molds, yeasts, etc. These microbes live in damp places such as behind walls, in plaster, and under countertops in bathrooms, and are difficult to get rid of. Mold, for example, is very allergenic and sometimes infects those who are susceptible. They create some problems for buildings that don't have good humidity control or where water is always present. Molds grow in moist environments and form quiescent, resistant spores that, when dispersed in the air, may come into contact with surfaces suitable for their...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Shampooed cushions were very damp so the room could not be rented out for the whole night - a huge loss in rental costs

Dry powder sanitizers used on carpets can leave a disinfectant smell in the room and have a short-lived effect

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