Air purification by hypochlorous acid gas

Abstract

1. A short synopsis of research upon application of hypochlorites to airpurification is given. 2. A short review of the most recent work on this subject shows that: ( a ) Of the “nebulizers” employed by Baker, Finn & Twort (1940) the “Atmozon” is incapable of consistent atomizing of hypochlorites, whilst the “Aerograph” has an efficiency much below that of modern atomizers. ( b ) The data obtained by them, after due allowance for defective technique, can be interpreted as fully confirming the view that HOCl gas is the active germicide in hypochlorite spraying. Sterility can be approximately attained (99·75% reduction) by HOCl gas with a volumetric concentration in air, of not more than (3·5 × 10 9 ) −1 . ( c ) The application of the “Aerosol” theory is discussed and reasons given for its non-applicability to hypochlorite spraying. ( d ) Alleged drawbacks to this practical application of hypochlorite air disinfection are discussed and shown to be of no practical importance.