Analysis of the Possibility of Disinfecting Surfaces Using Portable Foggers in the Era of the SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic

Marek Ochowiak,Szymon Woziwodzki,Sylwia Włodarczak,Magdalena Matuszak,Tomasz Szulc,Andżelika Krupińska

doi:10.3390/en14072019

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has resulted in the need for increased surface disinfection. For this purpose, biocides, UV-C radiation, or ozonation can be used. The most commonly used are biocides that can be deposited on the surface with the use of various devices, including foggers. The disinfection efficiency is related to the size of the aerosol droplets formed and their distribution. This paper specifies the distribution of droplet diameters and mean droplet diameters obtained during the use of a commercial fogger. It was shown that the droplet diameters formed were mainly in the range of up to 30–40 μm. A ceramic filter allowed for a larger number of smaller droplets and a limitation in the number of droplets with larger diameters. The results are important in the context of fighting the virus in hard-to-reach places where battery devices can be used.

Highlights

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become a global pandemic and has affected many aspects of life, including economic and social systems, health care, transportation, and the energy industry [1,2,3]
A serious problem that has arisen in connection with the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 virus epidemic is the aspect of surface decontamination [4,5]
Surface disinfection has been recommended as one of the most effective means to combat the spread of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Summary

Introduction

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become a global pandemic and has affected many aspects of life, including economic and social systems, health care, transportation, and the energy industry [1,2,3]. Surface disinfection is important because this virus can survive in places such as a door handle, table, or bench at a bus stop from 2 h to 9 days. These are average values, which are influenced by many external factors, including temperature or air humidity. Disinfection is connected with problems such as exposure of people to chemicals This can happen when coming into contact with disinfected surfaces or during hand washing. Virucidal ingredients in these products include alcohols, quaternary ammonium salts, phenolic compounds, diols, and biguanides

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion