6 January 2012
A method of killing bacteria in under an hour could revolutionise hospital cleaning, according to Canadian scientists.
The system involves pumping a mixture of ozone and hydrogen peroxide vapour gas into a room to completely sterilise everything – including floors, walls, curtains, mattresses, chairs and other surfaces.
It mirrors the way the human immune system tackles bacterial infection: ozone and hydrogen peroxide are produced in tiny quantities in the body to form a highly reactive compound that destroys bugs.
Dr Dick Zoutman, a scientist involved in the project at Queen's University in Ontario, Canada, said: 'It works well for Mother Nature and is working very well for us.
“This is the future because many hospital deaths are preventable with better cleaning methods."
Zoutman says the technology can also be used in food preparation areas and processing plants after outbreaks such as listeria and to disinfect cruise ships after an infection outbreak. He also says it can be used to stop bed bug outbreaks in hotels and apartments.
Zoutman is working with US research and development company Medizone International.
The technology is expected to be commercially available in the early part of this year.
Other news for Friday, 6 January 2012
Rental market stagnating, says report
Gas set to transform hospital hygiene
Europa wins Ikea extension
NG Bailey wins atomic site work
Chartwells stays on at Reading
Contracts round-up
FM World Blog: Out with the Old
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