Abstract (English)
Indoors, pathogen-carrying aerosol particles are recognized as important infection carriers like those in the current Corona pandemic. This infection route is often underestimated yet represents the infection route that has been least systematically addressed by counter measures to date. Current indoor safety measures (e.g.: distancing, masks, filters) provide only limited protection. Inhalation of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) containing aerosols was recently shown in several studies to be safe and effective in prevention and even in reduction of symptoms of already infected individuals (E. Rasmussen, Robins, and Williams 2021; Boecker et al. 2021b; 2021a; Wang L et al. 2007). We investigated a novel air-disinfection concept utilizing the potential of vaporized HOCl for populated facilities. Aerosolized bacterial microbes were used as surrogates for a viral contamination, particularly the enveloped coronavirus. For the facility air purification tests, we aerosolized bacterial suspensions into a controlled office space. The HOCl concentration was held at constant concentration with a software-controlled injection system (product: aerosolis® device; manufacturer: oji Europe GmbH, Nauen, Germany) and a special HOCl gas sensor unit (manufacturer: Draeger AG, Lübeck, Germany). We confirmed the disinfecting power of the used HOCl in suspensions and demonstrated the high efficacy of vaporized HOCl to deactivate airborne pathogens at safe and non-irritant levels (Test Laboratory: Microbiology Lab of Henkel, Düsseldorf, Ger-many). Incorporating this air-disinfection technology into building ventilation systems could be a valuable contribution for future infection prevention and control. It may take facility management to a new level of providing environmental safety.