Surface disinfection serves to eliminate pathogens on surfaces and, in turn, to prevent the spread of bacteria.
The act of disinfecting surfaces on a regular basis is an excellent formula for disease prevention and control and is a good general hygiene practice. The frequency of disinfection depends entirely on the risk potential, although regular routine disinfection is advisable for most industries. But what are the best methods of surface disinfection?
In this article we will take a look at the most effective and least contaminating types of surface disinfectants.
Why is surface disinfection important?
Surface disinfection is carried out to prevent the transmission of infections.
Sterilisation methods reduce the possibility of bacteria spreading through the workplace, floors, walls, products, etc., which in turn reduces the number of diseases.
There are different surface disinfection techniques: from the more traditional ones – using chemicals and disinfectants that can not only reduce the properties of the products, but also be harmful to the environment and affect health – to the newest and most effective solutions, which are the ones we use at INFINITIA and are the ones we will see below.
Surface disinfection with ozone
Ozone disinfection is a method of sterilising surfaces as well as airborne micro-particles, mould spores, fungi, dust mites and even bed bugs.
During the ozone disinfection cycle, the ozone gas rapidly fills the enclosed area and the third atomic particle of ozone binds to bacteria, mould, fungi, viruses and other organic matter on surfaces, objects, fabrics or airborne microparticles. This oxidation process removes the third oxygen atom that exists in ozone (O3). What remains is a totally disinfected area where the only residue is fresh, clean Oxygen (O2).
UV surface disinfection
The ability to artificially create UV light at the correct wavelengths with lamps gives us the power to disinfect a variety of liquids, as well as air and surfaces.
UV disinfection is a chemical-free disinfection method that uses short wavelength ultraviolet light to inactivate microorganisms by altering their DNA. In this sense, UV light can penetrate the cell wall of a micro-organism, permanently altering the DNA structure in a matter of seconds and leaving no chemical by-products as a result. As a result, most UV disinfection systems do not require chemicals, only the correct application of germicidal lamps.
Ultraviolet light occupies a very narrow range in the electromagnetic spectrum and yet is divided into different wavelengths that are shorter than visible light.
Germicidal lamps are effective against bacteria, moulds, spores, bacteria and viruses.
On the other hand, when carrying out disinfection by means of ultraviolet light, precise and targeted dosing must be taken into account. It is used to calculate the type of UV lamp needed for the different applications. In other words, the time the UV light must be exposed to disinfect the air, as well as the different liquids or surfaces. Similarly, the dosage takes into account the intensity of the UV rays emitted by the lamps, the UV transmittance of the water, air or surface and the exposure time of the substance to be disinfected to UV light.
Plasma disinfection and sterilisation
Plasma reduces pathogen concentrations on contact with contaminated surfaces.
Plasma destroys bacteria, viruses, fungi and also removes toxins and other organic contaminants. In fact, complete sterilisation through prolonged exposure to plasma is possible.
The cold, chemically active atmospheric plasma triggers a multitude of physical and chemical processes. The decomposition of organic molecules of living micro-organisms is achieved on the one hand by the bombardment with electrons, ions and short-lived neutral chemical species and on the other hand by the oxidising effect of the highly reactive chemical species in the plasma. In addition, the ion bombardment breaks the hydrogen bonds of organic molecules. This leads to a reduction of ultrafine organic impurities and germs up to the complete sterilisation and disinfection of the treated surfaces.
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