[Control of disinfection with formaldehyde]. 1976

K Kubícek, and V Jurek

The reliability of a simple method of formaldehyde disinfection control, based on the colour intensity of End's agar or sulphite agar, was tested in a sealed fume chamber 1.2 cubic metres in size at a constant air temperature (21 degrees C) and at a 40-per-cent or 95-per-cent humidity. The effect of formaldehyde concentration and air humidity was examined, as exerted on bactericidal effectiveness and on the colour intensity of the mentioned media. Air humidity proved to be highly important: together with formaldehyde concentration and exposure time, air humidity is the decisive factor underlying the final effect of disinfection if due temperature is maintained. The intensity of the colouring of End's agar or sulphite agar was found to depend mainly on concentration and slightly on air humidity. Hence it is recommended that this simple control should be used only for the testing of a good sealing of the disinfected space underlying the effect of the active concentration of formaldehyde for the necessary exposure time. End's agar, produced by the Imuna National Corporation, Sarisské Michal'any, gave better results. It is considered necessary for an estimation of formaldehyde disinfection effectiveness to record, at the same time, the humidity and temperature of the air in the disinfected space. In our trials at a 95-per-cent humidity level, E. coli was totally devitalized on carriers disinfected with formaldehyde developed from 25 ml formaline and St. aureus with formaldehyde developed from more than 50 ml formaline per 1 cubic metre of space. When the air humidity level was 40% the total devitalization of the mentioned bacterial strains was not achieved even with formaldehyde concentration developed from 75 ml formaline per 1 cubic metre of space.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D004203 Disinfection Rendering pathogens harmless through the use of heat, antiseptics, antibacterial agents, etc.
D004926 Escherichia coli A species of gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacteria (GRAM-NEGATIVE FACULTATIVELY ANAEROBIC RODS) commonly found in the lower part of the intestine of warm-blooded animals. It is usually nonpathogenic, but some strains are known to produce DIARRHEA and pyogenic infections. Pathogenic strains (virotypes) are classified by their specific pathogenic mechanisms such as toxins (ENTEROTOXIGENIC ESCHERICHIA COLI), etc. Alkalescens-Dispar Group,Bacillus coli,Bacterium coli,Bacterium coli commune,Diffusely Adherent Escherichia coli,E coli,EAggEC,Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli,Enterococcus coli,Diffusely Adherent E. coli,Enteroaggregative E. coli,Enteroinvasive E. coli,Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli
D005557 Formaldehyde A highly reactive aldehyde gas formed by oxidation or incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. In solution, it has a wide range of uses: in the manufacture of resins and textiles, as a disinfectant, and as a laboratory fixative or preservative. Formaldehyde solution (formalin) is considered a hazardous compound, and its vapor toxic. (From Reynolds, Martindale The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p717) Formalin,Formol,Methanal,Oxomethane
D005740 Gases The vapor state of matter; nonelastic fluids in which the molecules are in free movement and their mean positions far apart. Gases tend to expand indefinitely, to diffuse and mix readily with other gases, to have definite relations of volume, temperature, and pressure, and to condense or liquefy at low temperatures or under sufficient pressure. (Grant & Hackh's Chemical Dictionary, 5th ed)
D006813 Humidity A measure of the amount of WATER VAPOR in the air. Humidities
D000362 Agar A complex sulfated polymer of galactose units, extracted from Gelidium cartilagineum, Gracilaria confervoides, and related red algae. It is used as a gel in the preparation of solid culture media for microorganisms, as a bulk laxative, in making emulsions, and as a supporting medium for immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis.
D013211 Staphylococcus aureus Potentially pathogenic bacteria found in nasal membranes, skin, hair follicles, and perineum of warm-blooded animals. They may cause a wide range of infections and intoxications.
D013242 Sterilization The destroying of all forms of life, especially microorganisms, by heat, chemical, or other means.

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