EFFICACY OF ECOQUEST RADIANT CATALYTIC IONIZATION CELL AND BREEZE AT OZONE GENERATOR AT REDUCING MICROBIAL POPULATIONS ON STAINLESS STEEL SURFACES

Abstract

ABSTRACT The improvement of disinfection technology for contact surfaces in health care, food processing, schools and residential environments is critical for the control and prevention of disease‐causing microorganisms. Historically, both ozone‐ and peroxide‐based technologies have been used as disinfectants in numerous applications. This study determined the potential use of oxidative gases, including ozone and peroxide, generated by the EcoQuest Radiant Catalytic Ionization (RCI) cell for the inactivation of Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus globigii, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Stachybotrys chartarum on stainless steel surfaces. In addition, the EcoQuest Breeze AT ozone generator was evaluated for the inactivation of C. albicans and S. chartarum on stainless steel surfaces at diverse contact times in a controlled airflow cabinet. Results showed that oxidative gases produced by the RCI cell reduced all microorganisms tested by at least 90% after a 24 h exposure on stainless steel surfaces. The RCI cell was more effective at reducing microbial counts for shorter exposure times than was the Breeze AT ozone generator.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe purpose of this study was to give an accurate evaluation of the Radiant Catalytic Ionization technology for disinfection of environmental contact surfaces. When used properly and safely, this technology can provide a cost‐effective means for eliminating environmental microorganisms such as Bacillus globigii, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Stachybotrys chartarum, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Listeria monocytogenes in industries such as food processing and health care.