The Bactericidal Action of Volatile Substances: Part I. Disinfection of Powders Containing Spores, by Means of Gaseous Formaldehyde

Abstract

Summary: An apparatus has been described which utilises streaming gases for the disinfection of powders. An examination has been made of the results obtained. The factors affecting the disinfection by formaldehyde of powders containing spores of B. subtilis have been examined. It has been shown that under the fairly wide range of conditions used the death-rate is a function of the amount of formaldehyde permeating the powders in unit time rather than of concentration of the disinfectant in the vapour phase. The role of moisture in disinfection by formaldehyde has been investigated and discussed. Practical applications of the method have been discussed.