Improving Room Bio-Decontamination with Accurate and Stable Measurement of Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide in vapor form is becoming increasingly popular in gaseous bio-decontamination processes. Vaporized H₂O₂ is proven to be a better alternative to formaldehyde, which is considered a carcinogen by the World Health Organization. When low-temperature vaporized H₂O₂ is applied in a sealed room, it is effective against a broad spectrum of biological organisms – including viruses, spores, bacteria, and fungi – achieving a more than 6-log reduction in bioburden.

The vapor breaks down into oxygen and water, leaving no lingering odor and no residue, making it an environmentally friendly option and eliminating the need for a post-process residue wipe down. It is non-carcinogenic, has excellent compatibility with a wide variety of materials, and can be used to disinfect sensitive electronics. The high level of disinfection efficiency provided by H₂O₂ makes it ideal for use in, for example, medical laboratories and pharmaceutical applications. Measurement devices play a very important role in real time monitoring of the presence of H₂O₂ in these applications, and reduce the need for biological, enzyme or chemical indicators. 

Companies offering hydrogen peroxide related products and services either offer equipment specifically designed for H₂O₂ vapor decontamination or provide decontamination services. Increasing awareness of the importance of adequately cleaned premises across the healthcare and research sectors, especially in developed and emerging economies, has led to the adoption of H₂O₂ generators. Using an H₂O₂ vapor generator, hydrogen peroxide vapor can be used to decontaminate non-critical equipment, furniture, and environmental surfaces. Equipment and furniture needs to be dry and visibly clean prior to beginning the bio-decontamination process.

A Flexible and Widely Applicable Decontamination Agent

Environmental surfaces such as hospital equipment and furniture can harbor infectious agents. Hydrogen peroxide generators are increasingly being adopted in order to reduce the risk of patients and visitors acquiring infections from healthcare facilities. The generators are effective in bio-decontaminating intensive care units, operation rooms, emergency and patient rooms, waiting areas, tissue culture labs, blood banks, sputum induction areas, and ambulances, and can also be used for surgical equipment. With regulatory authorities and patients demanding safer environments, infection control procedures such as bio-decontamination processes are top priorities for healthcare personnel.

In laboratories, contaminated surfaces or air can have catastrophic effects on research activities. Vaporized H2 O2 generators are commonly used to decontaminate lab facilities such as procedure rooms, necropsy rooms, incubators, biological safety cabinets, animal racks, and washers.

In processing plants, food and beverages can be exposed to microbial contaminants from the air or from surfaces. This can result in spoilage and may also cause diseases, leading to product recalls and a negative impact on sales. Hydrogen peroxide can be used to sterilize containers, packing and storage rooms, storage tanks, closures, processing equipment, and isolators.

In animal farming, H2 O2 is used for disinfection purposes. For example, milking machines must be appropriately bio-decontaminated before reuse. Animal housing facilities are decontaminated to keep them free from diseases, bacterial infections, and microorganisms.

Using an HVAC system, hydrogen peroxide vapor can bio-decontaminate large spaces (8,000 square feet and above), effectively fumigating a whole area. It has also been used in the bio-decontamination of military equipment and facilities, as well as in aircraft, trucks, or other closed and contaminated areas in logistics supply chains.

Measuring the right parameters is important for quality control. During the bio-decontamination process the decontaminated air contains H₂O₂, which influences the humidity level. 

The Vaisala PEROXCAP® Hydrogen Peroxide, Humidity, and Temperature Probe HPP270 series can help you with room bio-decontamination measurement needs and can measure ppm (H₂O₂), relative saturation (RS%), relative humidity (RH%) and temperature (T) accurately. Relative saturation refers to the whole vapor mixture including both vaporized hydrogen peroxide and humidity, whereas relative humidity only refers to water vapor