Quantitative-dispense aerosol and method for controlling hazardous substances

Abstract

The present invention aims to provide a metered-dose spray aerosol for bathrooms that can suppress the odor and irritation of the chemicals during spraying while adhering an appropriate amount of pest control ingredients to gaps and crevices within the bathroom. [Solution] The present invention relates to a metered-dose spray aerosol for bathrooms, comprising a pressure-resistant container and an aerosol composition filled in the pressure-resistant container, wherein a fixed amount of the aerosol composition is sprayed in a single spraying operation, and the aerosol composition comprises a stock solution containing a pest control component and a propellant, and the amount sprayed in a single spray is 0.6 to 0.9 mL.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a quantitative spray type aerosol and a method for controlling harmful substances. [Background technology]

[0002] A metered-dose aerosol is known that dispenses a fixed amount of an aerosol composition containing a concentrated solution with an active ingredient and a propellant in a single spray operation. Metered-dose aerosols have the advantage of less variation in effectiveness because a predetermined amount of the drug is dispensed in a single spray operation, thus minimizing differences in user operation methods, such as how and to what extent the spray button is pressed.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a quantitative spray aerosol for pest control, which is filled with an aerosol composition consisting of a stock solution containing a non-volatile insecticidal compound and a propellant, wherein the stock solution is included in the aerosol composition at a concentration of 40% by volume or less, and the amount sprayed per application is 0.1 to 1.0 mL. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-99575 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Traditionally, quantitative spray aerosols have been commonly known for their insecticidal properties, primarily for spraying pest control components indoors or outdoors. On the other hand, aerosols designed for disinfecting mold and bacteria in bathrooms are less well known. Bathrooms have relatively high humidity and temperature, are rich in nutrients such as soap and grime, and are difficult to clean thoroughly, making them an ideal environment for mold and bacteria to thrive. When mold and bacteria proliferate, it creates an unsanitary environment, raising concerns about its impact on human health. Furthermore, bathrooms are often equipped with heating and drying systems, and mold and bacteria can become airborne, potentially causing even greater harm to human health. Moreover, the proliferation of mold and bacteria in these systems can lead to malfunctions. For these reasons, there is a high demand for mold and bacteria control in bathrooms.

[0006] However, bathrooms typically contain various objects, including soap, buckets, and other items, as well as structures such as handrails, and many other elements with gaps, such as windows, bathtub aprons, and drains. As a result, gaps easily form between these objects. It is difficult to effectively apply pest control components to mold and bacteria that have grown in such gaps within the bathroom using a quantitative spray aerosol. Furthermore, because bathrooms are humid, the sprayed pest control components tend to fall due to their own weight upon contact with moisture, making it difficult for the components to reach the desired areas. On the other hand, if the spray volume is increased to ensure that the pest control ingredients reach all areas of the mold and bacteria, dripping may occur on the walls and ceiling of the bathroom, causing the ingredients to run off instead of staying in the desired areas, making it difficult for the ingredients to reach the desired locations. Furthermore, in the confined space of a bathroom, splashing and scattering of the sprayed ingredients can occur, making users more susceptible to chemical odors and irritation, potentially leading to adverse health effects. Therefore, when using pest control ingredients that are highly toxic to humans, it becomes necessary to wear masks and goggles, which is time-consuming.

[0007] Thus, using a metered-dose aerosol for the purpose of controlling mold and bacteria in bathrooms presents various problems as described above, and conventional metered-dose aerosols have not been sufficient to solve these problems. In other words, a metered-dose aerosol for bathrooms that can suppress the odor and irritation of the chemicals during spraying while adhering to the appropriate amount of control ingredients to the gaps in the bathroom has not been realized until now.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a metered-dose spray aerosol for bathrooms that can suppress the odor and irritation of the chemicals during spraying while adhering an appropriate amount of pest control components to gaps and crevices in the bathroom. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The inventors of this invention have diligently conducted research to provide a quantitative spray aerosol that can deliver an appropriate amount of pest control ingredients to harmful substances, particularly bacteria, in the confined and gappy environment of a bathroom, while suppressing the chemical odor and irritation during spraying. As a result, they discovered that the above problems can be solved by a quantitative spray aerosol that limits the amount sprayed in a single application to a specific range, and thus completed the present invention.

[0010] In other words, the present invention is characterized by the following (1) and (2). (1) A metered-dose aerosol comprising a pressure-resistant container and an aerosol composition filled in the pressure-resistant container, wherein a fixed amount of the aerosol composition is sprayed in a single spraying operation, The aerosol composition comprises a stock solution containing a pest control component and a propellant. A metered-dose aerosol for bathroom use, with a single spray volume of 0.6 to 0.9 mL. (2) A method for controlling harmful substances in a bathroom, comprising using a metered-dose spray aerosol, in which an aerosol composition containing a concentrated solution with a pest control component and a propellant is filled into a pressure-resistant container, and spraying the aerosol composition so that the amount sprayed in a single spray operation is 0.6 to 0.9 mL. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, a quantitative spray aerosol for bathrooms and a method for controlling harmful substances can be used in bathrooms, which are small and have many gaps, to suppress the odor and irritation of chemicals during spraying, while also allowing an appropriate amount of the control component to adhere to the gaps formed between objects, thereby enhancing the control effect against harmful substances such as bacteria. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the injection test system into the gap space in the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below. In this specification, "control" includes prevention, eradication, or both. To "control" a target means, for example, to suppress the growth or reproduction of the target (prevention), or to eradicate the target. More specifically, it includes sterilizing and eradicating microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and mites, and suppressing the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, and includes the concepts of so-called sterilization, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-mold, disinfection, and pest control.

[0014] <Measuring-type aerosol for bathroom use> The present invention relates to a metered-dose aerosol for bathroom use (hereinafter also simply referred to as a metered-dose aerosol), which comprises a pressure-resistant container and an aerosol composition filled in the pressure-resistant container, and sprays a fixed amount of the aerosol composition in a single spraying operation, characterized in that the aerosol composition contains a stock solution containing a pest control component and a propellant, and the amount sprayed in a single application is 0.6 to 0.9 mL.

[0015] In the quantitative spray aerosol of the present invention, it is important that the amount sprayed in one application is 0.6 to 0.9 mL. The inventors have found that by setting the amount sprayed in one application of the aerosol composition to a limited range of 0.6 to 0.9 mL, it is possible to suppress the odor and irritation of the chemicals during spraying in a small bathroom with many gaps, while also allowing an appropriate amount of the pest control component to adhere to the gaps formed between objects.

[0016] The reason for the above is not clear, but it can be inferred as follows. That is, by adjusting the single injection amount of the aerosol composition to an extremely limited range of 0.6 to 0.9 mL, a sufficient amount of the control component can be adhered to the gap space in the bathroom, and moreover, no dripping occurs on the injection target surface, and the aerosol composition stays at the desired location, making it easier for the control component to spread evenly. Also, by adjusting the single injection amount of the aerosol composition to 0.6 to 0.9 mL, the sprayed material does not scatter from the target surface, and the adhesion of the control component can be enhanced. Furthermore, in a bathroom with high humidity, the sprayed aerosol composition is less likely to come into contact with moisture and the control component can easily spread to the desired location without falling due to its own weight. Also, in the bathroom which is a narrow space, by adjusting the single injection amount of the aerosol composition to an extremely limited range of 0.6 to 0.9 mL, the bounce-back and scattering of the sprayed aerosol composition are less likely to occur, making it less likely for the user to feel the drug odor and irritation, and having less adverse effects on the human body. As described above, by adjusting the single injection amount of the aerosol composition to an extremely limited range of 0.6 to 0.9 mL, while suppressing the drug odor and irritation during injection, an appropriate amount of the control component can be adhered to the gap space, so it is suitable for use in a bathroom which is narrow, has many gap spaces and high humidity.

[0017] In the metered injection type aerosol of the present invention, the single injection amount is preferably 0.6 to 0.9 mL, more preferably 0.7 to 0.9 mL, still more preferably 0.75 to 0.85 mL, and particularly preferably 0.78 to 0.82 mL. If the single injection amount is less than 0.6 mL, there is a possibility that an appropriate amount of the control component cannot be adhered to the gap space formed between objects in a narrow bathroom with many gap spaces. Also, if the single injection amount exceeds 0.9 mL, there is a possibility that the drug odor and irritation during injection cannot be suppressed in a narrow bathroom with many gap spaces, and there is also a possibility that an appropriate amount of the control component cannot be adhered to the gap space due to the bounce-back and scattering of the sprayed aerosol composition.

[0018] In the present invention, there are no particular limitations on the method for adjusting the amount of aerosol composition sprayed in a single application. Examples include adjusting the size of the metering chamber (housing) of the aerosol valve, as described later, or using a mechanism that allows the aerosol composition to be sprayed for a certain period of time.

[0019] The components of the metered-dose spray aerosol of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0020] (Aerosol composition) The aerosol composition in the present invention comprises a stock solution containing a pest control component and a propellant. (Undiluted solution) The stock solution constituting the aerosol composition of the present invention contains at least a pest control component as an active ingredient. Here, a pest control component refers to a substance that exerts an effect of controlling harmful substances when a metered-dose spray aerosol is used. Here, harmful substances in the present invention include harmful microorganisms and / or harmful microsubstances, and means microorganisms or microsubstances that are harmful to the human body. The above-mentioned harmful microorganisms refer to organisms or organisms of biological origin that are harmful to the human body, such as bacteria, molds, yeasts, viruses, mites, and pollen. In particular, in the quantitative spray type aerosol of the present invention, it is preferable to target at least one of the harmful microorganisms of bacteria, molds, yeasts, viruses, and mites as the target for control, from the viewpoint of fully demonstrating the effects of the present invention. Furthermore, harmful particulate matter includes non-living or non-living substances that are harmful to the human body, such as house dust, PM2.5, and yellow dust.

[0021] Examples of pest control components in this invention include ethanol, hinokitiol, 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, 2-(4-thiazolyl)benzimidazole, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, triforine, p-chlorometaxylenol, chlorhexidine gluconate, polylysine, chitosan, tetrahydrolinalool, dialkyldimethylammonium chloride, isopropylmethylphenol (IPMP), benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, and bis-type quaternary ammonia. Cetylpyridinium chloride, thymol, triclosan, methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, 4-chloro-3,5-dimethylphenol, orthophenylphenol, 3-iodo-2-propyl-N-butylcarbamate (IPBC), monocaprin, monocaprylin, tebuconazole, permethrin, pyrethrin, allethrin, phthalthrin, resmethrin, flamethrin, phenothrin, empenthrin, prallethrin, cyphenothrin Pyrethroid compounds such as imiprothrin, transfluthrin, metofluthrin, dimefluthrin, and mepafluthrin; organophosphorus compounds such as fenitrothion, dichlorvos, chlorpyrifosmethyl, diazinon, and fenthion; carbamate compounds such as carbaryl and propoxur; compounds such as methoprene, pyriproxyfen, methoxadiazone, fipronil, amidoflumeth, and brofranilide; peppermint oil, orange oil, fennel oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, turpentine oil, eucalyptus oil, and cypress oil. Various essential oil components such as oils, jasmine oil, neroli oil, peppermint oil, bergamot oil, butigrain oil, lemon oil, lemongrass oil, cinnamon oil, citronella oil, geranium oil, citral, l-menthol, citronellyl acetate, cinnamic aldehyde, terpineol, nonyl alcohol, cis-jasmone, limonene, linalool, 1,8-cineole, geraniol, α-pinene, p-menthane-3,8-diol, eugenol, menthyl acetate, thymol, benzyl benzoate, benzyl salicylate, etc.Examples include glycol ethers such as propylene glycol monopropyl ether, propylene glycol monobutyl ether, dipropylene glycol monopropyl ether, dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether, dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoisobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monoisobutyl ether, diethylene glycol dibutyl ether, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, and triethylene glycol dimethyl ether; and dibasic acid esters such as dibutyl adipate. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more. The type of control ingredient should be appropriately selected according to the type of harmful substance being controlled.

[0022] In this invention, the content of the pest control component is preferably 0.01 to 70% by mass / volume (w / v%) in the undiluted solution. A content of 0.01% by mass / volume or more of the pest control component in the undiluted solution allows an appropriate amount of the component to adhere to gaps and crevices in the bathroom, ensuring sufficient pest control effect. Furthermore, a content of 70% by mass / volume or less suppresses the chemical odor and irritation during spraying, and improves production efficiency. The lower limit of the pest control component content is more preferably 0.1% by mass / volume or more, even more preferably 0.3% by mass / volume or more, and the upper limit is more preferably 65% ​​by mass / volume or less, and even more preferably 50% by mass / volume or less.

[0023] In addition to the pest control component, the stock solution used in this invention may also contain fragrance components, deodorizing components, etc., to the extent that it does not impair the effects of this invention.

[0024] Aromatic components are those that emit fragrance. Examples of aromatic components include, in addition to the essential oil components mentioned above, natural fragrances such as anise oil, lavender oil, rose oil, rosemary oil, and grapefruit oil; and synthetic fragrances such as camphene, p-cymene, citronellol, nerol, benzyl alcohol, n-butyraldehyde, isobutyraldehyde, coumarin, and cineole. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0025] Deodorizing components are ingredients that can eliminate odors. Examples of deodorizing components include ingredients that adsorb odor components such as green tea extract, persimmon tannin, methacrylate lauryl acid, methyl benzoate, methyl phenylacetate, geranyl chloride, acetophenone myristate, benzyl acetate, benzyl propionate, and silver, as well as ingredients that mask odor components, such as the fragrance components mentioned above. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0026] Furthermore, the stock solution in the present invention may contain a solvent for purposes such as adjusting the viscosity of the stock solution, improving its suitability for production, or increasing the penetration of the control component into the target of pest control. Examples of such solvents include the glycol ethers mentioned above, hydrocarbon solvents, alcohol solvents, aromatic solvents, ester solvents, etc. Water and surfactants may also be used.

[0027] Examples of hydrocarbon solvents include aliphatic hydrocarbons such as paraffinic hydrocarbons and naphthenic hydrocarbons, with kerosene such as JIS No. 1 kerosene being preferred. Specifically, examples include normal paraffins and isoparaffins. Typical normal paraffins have 8 to 16 carbon atoms, such as Neothiosol manufactured by Chuo Kasei Co., Ltd. and Normal Paraffin MA manufactured by JXTG Energy Corporation. Typical isoparaffins have 8 to 16 carbon atoms, such as IP Clean LX and Supersol FP25 manufactured by Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.

[0028] Examples of alcohol-based solvents include lower alcohols such as ethanol and propanol, and polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and ethylene glycol. Examples of aromatic solvents include toluene and xylene. Examples of ester-based solvents include isopropyl myristate, hexyl laurate, and isopropyl palmitate.

[0029] The solvent content is preferably 30 to 99.99% by mass / volume (w / v%) in the undiluted solution. A solvent content of 30% by mass / volume or more in the undiluted solution suppresses the chemical odor and irritation during spraying, and improves production suitability. Furthermore, a solvent content of 99.99% by mass / volume or less ensures that an appropriate amount of the pest control component adheres to gaps in the bathroom, guaranteeing sufficient effectiveness of the pest control component. The solvent content is more preferably 35% by mass / volume or more at the lower limit, even more preferably 50% by mass / volume or more, and more preferably 99.9% by mass / volume or less at the upper limit, and even more preferably 99.5% by mass / volume or less.

[0030] Furthermore, the stock solution in the present invention may contain other components, to the extent that it does not impair the effects of the present invention. Examples of other components include preservatives, pH adjusters, ultraviolet absorbers, inorganic substances, surfactants, and solubilizers.

[0031] In this invention, the specific gravity of the undiluted solution at 20°C is preferably 0.65 to 1.00, more preferably 0.70 to 0.95, and even more preferably 0.75 to 0.90. The specific gravity of the undiluted solution at 20°C affects the settling speed of the sprayed particles. By having the specific gravity within the above range, an appropriate amount of the pest control component can adhere to gaps in the bathroom, allowing for sufficient pest control effect. Furthermore, the odor and irritation of the chemicals during spraying can be suppressed.

[0032] The amount of undiluted solution in the aerosol composition can be appropriately changed depending on the intended use of the metered-dose aerosol and the combination with the propellant, and is not particularly limited, but for example it can be 1 to 60% by volume in the aerosol composition. If the amount of undiluted solution in the aerosol composition is 1% by volume or more, an appropriate amount of the pest control component can be applied to gaps in the bathroom, and sufficient pest control effect can be obtained. If it is 60% by volume or less, the undiluted solution can be sprayed as spray particles, so when used indoors, for example, contamination of furniture, floors, walls, etc. by the undiluted solution can be reduced. In addition, the chemical odor and irritation when sprayed can be suppressed. The lower limit of the amount of undiluted solution in the aerosol composition is more preferably 3% by volume or more, even more preferably 5% by volume or more, and the upper limit is more preferably 55% by volume or less, and even more preferably 50% by volume or less.

[0033] (propellant) The propellant is a medium for spraying the undiluted liquid mentioned above, and is pressurized and filled into a pressure vessel together with the undiluted liquid. As propellants, one or more types of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) such as propane, propylene, n-butane, and isobutane, liquefied gases such as dimethyl ether (DME), compressed gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen gas, and compressed air, and halogenated carbon gases such as HFC-152a, HFC-134a, HFO-1234yf, and HFO-1234ze can be used. The propellant used should be appropriately selected in accordance with its compatibility with the stock solution and the container components such as aerosol valves.

[0034] The amount of propellant in the aerosol composition can be appropriately changed depending on the intended use of the metered-dose aerosol and the combination with the stock solution, and is not particularly limited, but for example it can be 40 to 99% by volume in the aerosol composition. When the amount of propellant in the aerosol composition is 40% by volume or more, the stock solution can be sprayed as spray particles, so the pest control component can be dispersed more easily, an appropriate amount of the pest control component can be attached to gaps in the bathroom, and the effect of the pest control component tends to last longer. When the amount of propellant is 99% by volume or less, a sufficient effect of the pest control component can be obtained. The lower limit of the propellant content in the aerosol composition is more preferably 50% by volume or more, even more preferably 70% by volume or more, and the upper limit is more preferably 97% by volume or less, and even more preferably 95% by volume or less.

[0035] The volume ratio (liquid-gas ratio) of the stock solution to the propellant in the aerosol composition is preferably 1:99 to 70:30, and more preferably 3:97 to 50:50. This volume ratio allows an appropriate amount of the pest control component to adhere to even the smallest gaps in the bathroom, ensuring sufficient pest control effectiveness. Furthermore, it helps to suppress the chemical odor and irritation during spraying.

[0036] (Quantitative spray aerosol) The quantitative spray type aerosol of the present invention is configured such that the above aerosol composition is filled into a pressure-resistant container for aerosols, and the opening of the pressure-resistant container is closed by an aerosol valve.

[0037] A metered-dose aerosol is an aerosol that sprays a fixed amount of aerosol composition with a single spray operation. In a metered-dose aerosol, when the user operates the spraying element (hereinafter also called the spray button) attached to the aerosol valve, a fixed amount of the aerosol composition (concentrate and propellant) from the pressure-resistant container is sprayed through the aerosol valve, and the concentrate is atomized by the propellant and sprayed as spray particles.

[0038] (Pressure vessel) The quantitative spray aerosol of the present invention preferably has an internal pressure of 0.60 MPa or less at 25°C, more preferably 0.10 to 0.60 MPa, even more preferably 0.20 to 0.60 MPa, and particularly preferably 0.30 to 0.55 MPa. When the internal pressure is 0.60 MPa or less at 25°C, when the aerosol is sprayed in a bathroom, an appropriate amount of the pest control component adheres to the gaps in the bathroom, and a sufficient effect of the pest control component can be obtained. In addition, splashing and scattering when it reaches the target surface can be suppressed, and the odor and irritation of the chemical when sprayed can be reduced. The pressure vessel is preferably one that can withstand an internal pressure of 0.60 MPa, and its material may be, for example, metal such as aluminum or tinplate, synthetic resin such as polyethylene terephthalate, or pressure-resistant glass. Furthermore, if the material of the pressure vessel is synthetic resin, it may be semi-transparent or transparent.

[0039] (Aerosol valve) The aerosol valve comprises an opening / closing member for switching communication between the inside and outside of a pressure vessel by operation of the spraying member by the user, a housing to which the opening / closing member is attached, and a mounting member for holding the housing in a predetermined position on the pressure vessel. The opening / closing member also includes a stem that slides up and down in conjunction with the spraying member. The sliding of the stem switches between communication (spray state) and blockage (non-spray state) of the aerosol composition. The aerosol valve has a housing hole for taking in the aerosol composition from the pressure vessel and a stem hole for sending the taken-in aerosol composition to the spraying member. The housing has a housing hole for taking in the aerosol composition from the pressure vessel. The stem has a stem hole for sending the aerosol composition taken into the housing to the spraying member. The path from the housing hole to the stem hole constitutes an internal passage through which the aerosol composition passes.

[0040] In this invention, the aerosol valve is a quantitative aerosol valve that dispenses a fixed amount with a single operation of the spraying member. The amount dispensed by the aerosol valve is a predetermined fixed amount in the range of 0.6 to 0.9 mL per spray operation. By using an aerosol valve having a quantitative chamber (housing) that can store an aerosol composition in the range of 0.6 to 0.9 mL per spray operation, a predetermined fixed amount in the range of 0.6 to 0.9 mL can be dispensed with a single spray operation. Alternatively, a predetermined fixed amount in the range of 0.6 to 0.9 mL can be dispensed with a single spray operation by using a mechanism that allows the aerosol composition to be dispensed for a certain period of time. The amount dispensed by the aerosol valve can be appropriately set to a predetermined amount within the above range.

[0041] (Injection component) The spraying component (spray button) is a component attached to a pressure vessel via an aerosol valve. The spray button has an internal passage for the aerosol composition taken in from the pressure vessel through the stem hole of the aerosol valve, and a nozzle through which the aerosol composition is sprayed.

[0042] From the viewpoint of setting the spray duration within a desired range, the inner diameter of the nozzle of the spray button (nozzle hole diameter) is preferably φ0.45 to 3.0 mm, more preferably φ0.5 to 2.0 mm, and even more preferably φ0.6 to 1.6 mm.

[0043] The number of nozzles on the spray button is not particularly limited; it may be one or two or more.

[0044] (jetting power) As described above, the quantitative spray aerosol of the present invention is prepared by filling a pressure-resistant container for aerosols with a stock solution and a propellant, i.e., an aerosol composition, and by pressing the spray button, a fixed amount of the aerosol composition is sprayed with a single press. The spray force of the aerosol composition at a distance of 50 cm from the nozzle is preferably 10 to 80 mN, and more preferably 15 to 70 mN. Having the spray force within this range allows the spraying time to be set within a desired range. The aforementioned spray force can be measured by spraying the aerosol composition towards the center of a φ60 mm diameter circular plate attached to a digital force gauge (for example, IMADA Co., Ltd., model number: DS2-2N) that is placed on its side at a distance of 50 cm from the nozzle of a metered-dose aerosol under room temperature conditions of 25°C. The maximum value of the spray load is taken as the spray load, and the average is calculated.

[0045] (Volume-average particle size of sprayed particles (D50)) The quantitative spray aerosol of the present invention preferably has a volume average particle size (D50) of 5 to 100 μm. A volume average particle size (D50) of 5 μm or more prevents the spray particles from becoming too fine, which can suppress the aerosol composition from falling off easily and improve the pest control effect in the bathroom. On the other hand, if it is 100 μm or less, the spray particles adhere to the fine details of target surfaces such as floors, walls, and ceilings, and an appropriate amount of pest control component can adhere to gaps in the bathroom, improving the pest control effect of harmful substances. The lower limit of the volume average particle size (D50) of the spray particles is more preferably 10 μm or more, even more preferably 15 μm or more, and the upper limit is more preferably 70 μm or less, and even more preferably 60 μm or less.

[0046] In this invention, the volume-average particle diameter (D50) of the sprayed particles is the volume-average particle diameter (D50) of the sprayed particles measured at a distance of 50 cm from the nozzle of a quantitative-spray aerosol, and can be measured using a known particle size distribution analyzer and an automatic calculation processing device. Specifically, a laser diffraction particle size analyzer (for example, "LDSA-1400A" manufactured by Microtrac-Bell Co., Ltd.) is used as the particle size distribution analyzer, and the position of the aerosol is adjusted so that the distance between the laser beam irradiated from the laser light emission unit to the light receiving unit and the nozzle of the quantitative-spray aerosol is 50 cm, and the sprayed particles pass perpendicularly through the laser beam. Measurement is performed during spraying, and the particle size distribution of the sprayed particles is analyzed by an automatic calculation processing device to determine the 50% volume-average particle diameter (D50) of the sprayed particles based on the volume integral distribution. The measurement is performed under conditions of 25°C.

[0047] (injection time) The quantitative spray aerosol of the present invention preferably has a spray time of 0.7 seconds or less per spray operation. By spraying an aerosol composition with a predetermined amount in the range of 0.6 to 0.9 mL per spray within 0.7 seconds, the volatility of the aerosol composition can be efficiently increased, so that an appropriate amount of pest control component can adhere to gaps in the bathroom, thereby improving the efficacy of the pest control component. The injection time for a single injection operation is more preferably 0.67 seconds or less, even more preferably 0.25 to 0.65 seconds, and particularly preferably 0.3 to 0.65 seconds.

[0048] The quantitative spray aerosol of the present invention preferably has a spray volume (spray speed) of 1.4 mL / s or more per unit time of the aerosol composition, more preferably 1.5 to 2.35 mL / s, and even more preferably 1.7 to 2.32 mL / s. Within this range, splashing and scattering upon reaching the target surface can be suppressed, and the odor and irritation of the chemical during spraying can be reduced.

[0049] In the present invention, methods for adjusting the spray time in a single spray operation include, for example, adjusting the size of the nozzle of the spray button, adjusting the spray force of a metered-dose aerosol, adjusting the stem hole diameter of the aerosol valve, adjusting the pressure of the propellant, and combinations thereof.

[0050] (Methods for controlling harmful substances) The present invention also provides a method for controlling harmful substances in a bathroom using the quantitative spray aerosol of the present invention described above. Specifically, the present invention provides a method for controlling harmful substances in a bathroom (hereinafter also simply referred to as the method of control of the present invention) in which a quantitative spray aerosol containing a stock solution containing a control component and a propellant is filled into a pressure-resistant container, and the aerosol composition is sprayed so that the amount sprayed in a single spray operation is 0.6 to 0.9 mL.

[0051] Specifically, the metered-dose aerosol of the present invention is used by pointing the nozzle of the spray button towards a target surface such as the ceiling, walls, or floor of a bathroom and operating the spray button. The distance from the nozzle of the spray button to the target surface such as the ceiling, walls, or floor of the bathroom is preferably 10 cm to 100 cm, more preferably 20 cm to 80 cm, and even more preferably 30 cm to 60 cm. Furthermore, the spray direction of the metered-dose aerosol is within the range of an angle of 0 to 60° with respect to the perpendicular direction of the target surface such as the ceiling, walls, or floor. It is preferable that the area be within an enclosure, and more preferably within an angle range of 0 to 45°. In this way, by spraying an aerosol composition with a single spray volume of 0.6 to 0.9 mL towards the target surface such as the ceiling, walls, and floor of the bathroom from the predetermined distance, it is possible to suppress excessive scattering of spray particles, reduce the chemical odor and irritation during spraying, and ensure that an appropriate amount of the pest control component adheres to the gaps in the bathroom, thereby obtaining sufficient pest control effect.

[0052] The amount of aerosol composition that adheres to the target surface is 0.1 to 1000 mg / m². 2 Preferably, the amount of the aerosol composition adhering to the target surface is 0.1 mg / m². 2 If the above is achieved, the target pest can be effectively controlled, and 1000 mg / m²2 The following conditions allow for use without contaminating the target area: The minimum amount of aerosol composition that adheres is 1 mg / m². 2 It is more preferable that the amount be greater than or equal to 10 mg / m². 2 The above is even more preferable, and the upper limit is 750 mg / m². 2 It is more preferable that the following be the case: 500 mg / m² 2 The following are even more preferable.

[0053] The effectiveness of the pest control method of the present invention is best demonstrated when the volume of the bathroom is preferably 2,000 to 20,000 L, more preferably 2,500 to 15,000 L, and even more preferably 3,000 to 10,000 L. In other words, when the volume of the bathroom is within the above range, when the amount of sprayed per application is 0.6 to 0.9 mL, it is possible to sufficiently suppress the odor and irritation of the chemical when sprayed in the bathroom, while also allowing an appropriate amount of the pest control component to adhere to the gaps and spaces within the bathroom, thereby obtaining sufficient effectiveness of the pest control component. Furthermore, when spraying pest control ingredients in the bathroom, it is acceptable to close the bathroom windows and doors, or to open them, and it is also acceptable to operate the ventilation fan.

[0054] The effectiveness of the pest control method of the present invention is best demonstrated when the humidity in the bathroom at 25°C is preferably 30-99.9%, more preferably 50-99.5%, and even more preferably 70-99%. In other words, when the humidity in the bathroom is within the above range, an appropriate amount of the pest control component adheres to the ceiling, walls, and floor of the bathroom. Therefore, when the amount sprayed in one application is 0.6-0.9 mL, the odor and irritation of the chemical when sprayed in the bathroom are sufficiently suppressed, and an appropriate amount of the pest control component adheres to the gaps and spaces in the bathroom, thereby obtaining a sufficient effect of the pest control component.

[0055] A bathroom generally consists of a ceiling, walls, and a floor area for washing, and is equipped with a light source (lighting device) to illuminate the bathroom, a ventilation fan, a shower stand, a mirror, a shelf for placing items, etc. Materials used for ceilings, walls, floors, etc., include fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP), resins such as polyvinyl chloride and acrylic, as well as enamel, stainless steel, artificial marble, and wood. Examples of FRP include polyethylene fiber reinforced plastic (DFRP), glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP), glass fiber reinforced plastic (GMT), carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), boron fiber reinforced plastic (BFRP), aramid fiber reinforced plastic (AFRP, KFRP), Zylon reinforced plastic (ZFRP), and liquid crystal polymer. In particular, from the viewpoint of maximizing the effectiveness of the pest control method of the present invention, materials such as fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) and polyvinyl chloride are preferred for the ceiling, walls, and floor of the bathroom.

[0056] Furthermore, the quantitative spray type aerosol and pest control method of the present invention are preferably used for gaps in bathrooms. For use in bathroom gaps, the aerosol is intended to be sprayed into gaps within the bathroom, and such gaps are defined as sections formed between objects, for example, with a width in one direction of 0.05 to 5 cm, preferably 0.07 to 3 cm, and more preferably 0.1 to 1 cm. Examples of gaps in the bathroom include gaps between walls and articles, between articles themselves, and grooves in the floor, walls, and ceiling of the bathroom, etc., occurring in the planar, depth, and height directions. [Examples]

[0057] The present invention will be further described below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0058] 1. Preparation of aerosol composition As shown in Table 1 below, each pest control component was mixed with a solvent (99.5% ethanol) to prepare stock solutions A to D, such that the concentration and specific gravity of the pest control components matched the values ​​shown in Table 1.

[0059] [Table 1]

[0060] The following components were used for each ingredient shown in Table 1. • Isopropylmethylphenol (IPMP): (Product name) Isopropylmethylphenol (manufactured by Osaka Chemical Industries, Ltd.) • Benzalkonium chloride: Barquat MS-100 (manufactured by Arcsarda Japan Co., Ltd.) • Bis-type quaternary ammonium salt: Hygenia (manufactured by Tama Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.)

[0061] Next, the stock solutions A to D prepared above were filled into pressure-resistant aerosol cans (aluminum cans: 130 mL capacity), and the cans were closed with the respective aerosol valves. Subsequently, each LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) was pressurized and filled as a propellant. The mixing ratio of each stock solution and each propellant (LPG) was prepared according to Table 2, so that the total volume was 100 mL. Then, the spray buttons were attached to the aerosol valves to obtain the quantitative spray type aerosols of Examples 1 to 12 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4.

[0062] [Table 2]

[0063] As shown in Table 2, liquefied petroleum gas (0.29 MPa (25°C), 0.39 MPa (25°C), 0.49 MPa (25°C)) was used as the propellant. Furthermore, the pressure vessels in Examples 1 to 10 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4 used aerosol valves having a metering chamber (housing) capable of storing an aerosol composition with a predetermined spray volume per use as described in Table 3 below. In Examples 11 and 12, the pressure vessels were fitted with the predetermined valves described in Table 2, and tests were conducted using a metering aerosol spraying device (manufactured by Yasuda Seiki Seisakusho Co., Ltd.) that could spray the aerosol composition for a certain period of time so that the spray volume per use was the predetermined amount described in Table 3 below. Furthermore, the pressure vessels in Examples 1-9, 11, 12, and Comparative Examples 1-4 are equipped with one nozzle. In addition, the pressure vessel in Example 10 is equipped with three nozzles, all arranged in the same direction.

[0064] 2. Measurement of volume-average particle size (D50) The 50% volume-average particle size (D50) of sprayed particles from a quantitative-spray aerosol was measured as follows. First, a laser diffraction particle size analyzer ("LDSA-1400A" manufactured by Microtrac-Bell Co., Ltd.) was used as the particle size distribution analyzer. The position of the aerosol was adjusted so that the distance between the laser beam, which is irradiated from the laser light emitter to the light receiving unit, and the nozzle of the quantitative-spray aerosol was 50 cm, and the sprayed particles passed perpendicularly through the laser beam. Measurements were taken during spraying, and the particle size distribution of the sprayed particles was analyzed by an automated calculation processing unit to determine the 50% volume-average particle size (D50) of the sprayed particles based on the volume integral distribution. This test was performed a total of three times, and the average values ​​are shown in Table 3. The measurements were taken under conditions of 25°C.

[0065] 3. Measurement of jet force The spray force of the metered-dose aerosol was measured as follows. First, under room temperature conditions of 25°C, the maximum spray load was determined when the aerosol composition was sprayed towards the center of a φ60 mm diameter circular plate attached to a digital force gauge (manufactured by Imada Co., Ltd., model number: DS2-2N) that was placed on its side 50 cm away from the nozzle of the metered-dose aerosol. This test was performed a total of three times, and the average values ​​are shown in Table 3.

[0066] 4. Measurement of injection velocity The injection velocity (mL / s), which is the amount injected per unit time, was calculated by dividing the injection volume (mL) by the injection time (s). The average values ​​are shown in Table 3.

[0067] 5. Sensory evaluation of drug odor and irritation. A metered-dose aerosol was sprayed from a distance of 50 cm towards the bathroom drain at a 45° angle to the vertical of the floor. Three expert panelists, standing 50 cm away from the spray point, evaluated how long it took to feel the chemical odor and irritation after spraying, according to the following criteria: "Good" if the time to feel irritation was 10 seconds or more, and "Poor" if it was less than 10 seconds. The time to feel irritation was the average value of the three expert panelists.

[0068] 6. Jetting Test into the Clearance Space As shown in Fig. 1, a model simulating a 2-mm-wide bathroom drain gap was fabricated using a plastic box, and heat-sensitive paper (heat-sensitive paper for word processors, Kokuyo S&T Co., Ltd.) was laid beneath it. A metered spray aerosol was jetted at an angle of 45° with respect to the vertical line l on the floor surface from a distance of 50 cm. For the portion where the spray liquid adhered and the heat-sensitive paper was colored, the colored area value was calculated by image analysis using the image processing software ImageJ. The evaluation criteria were defined as "good" when the adhesion area was 1 cm 2 or more, and "bad" when it was less than 1 cm 2 . This test was conducted a total of three times, and the average value is shown in Table 3.

[0069]

Table 3

[0070] As can be seen from the results in Table 3, in the case of the metered spray aerosols of Examples 1 to 12, while suppressing the drug odor and irritation, an appropriate amount of the control component could be adhered to the clearance space. On the other hand, for the metered spray aerosols of Comparative Examples 1 and 2, since the jetting volume was as large as 1.0 mL, the drug odor and irritation could not be sufficiently suppressed, and also, a sufficient amount of the control component could not be adhered to the clearance space. Further, for the metered spray aerosols of Comparative Examples 3 and 4, since the jetting volumes were 0.4 mL and 0.2 mL, respectively, which were small, a sufficient amount of the control component could not be adhered to the clearance space.

Claims

1. A metered-discharge aerosol comprising a pressure-resistant container and an aerosol composition filled in the pressure-resistant container, wherein a fixed amount of the aerosol composition is dispensed in a single spray operation, The aerosol composition comprises a stock solution containing a pest control component and a propellant. The amount of the aerosol composition sprayed per unit time is 1.4 mL / s or more. The amount dispensed per spray is 0.6 to 0.9 mL. A quantitative spray aerosol in which the volume-average particle size (D50) of the sprayed particles is 5 to 50.0 μm.

2. A method for controlling harmful substances, comprising using a quantitative spray aerosol, in which an aerosol composition containing a concentrated solution with a pest control component and a propellant is filled into a pressure-resistant container, and spraying the aerosol composition such that the amount sprayed in a single spraying operation is 0.6 to 0.9 mL, the amount sprayed per unit time of the aerosol composition is 1.4 mL / s or more, and the volume average particle size (D50) of the sprayed particles is 5 to 50.0 μm.

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