Antimicrobial Activity in the Gasphase with Hypochloric Acid
Abstract
This study looked at whether hypochlorous acid (HOCl), known for killing germs in liquids, can also clean the air safely and effectively. The researchers tested how well HOCl gas could remove harmful microbes floating in the air. First, they used a standard test to see how well HOCl worked in liquid form. Then, they sprayed bacteria into sealed lab chambers filled with different amounts of HOCl in gas form. They found that a minimum of 200 ppm HOCl in liquid could kill the bacteria tested. In the air tests, HOCl also reduced the number of bacteria, and higher concentrations worked better. Gram-negative bacteria were the most sensitive. The results show that HOCl gas can kill airborne germs at levels safe for people. These findings suggest HOCl could be a helpful way to clean indoor air and reduce the spread of infections, including viruses like the coronavirus. More studies are recommended.
Date: 2021
Source