Fogging Sterilization FAQ
Sterile Science uses uses a room temperature vapor composed of acetic acid and peracetic acid (PAA) which is more effective than hydrogen peroxide alone and safer than chlorine or formaldehyde gas.
List of Questions
The vaporized peracetic acid (VPA) interacts with numerous cellular constituents breaking them down and inactivating routine functionality. With the disintegration of the bacterial cell wall, internal components will no longer be contained and are unable to organize. Proteins are rapidly attacked by PAA through oxidation of amino acids to carbonyls, particularly tryptophan, cysteine and methionine.
The main difference when it comes to dry or wet fog is the droplet size. Usually fog that consists of droplets that are less than 10 microns in diameter is characterized as dry fog, because the droplets are so small that they do not wet surfaces on contact. Whereas fog that consists of droplets that are 10 to 30 microns in diameter is characterized as wet fog, and more like a spray or mist than fog, since droplets burst on contact with surfaces.
Yes. Sterile Science uses Minncare Cold Sterilant. It is registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA Registration Number 52252-4).
Sterile Science uses a proprietary peracetic acid (PAA) biocide delivered in a vapor form that gently sterilizes products with excellent material compatibility and low residuals. In fact, PAA in vapor form has much better material compatibility than PAA in liquid form. Over 400 materials have been tested. Contact us for a complete list.
Yes. Sterile Science can provide dry vapor fogging using a low concentration (<10%) of hydrogen peroxide. Application and dwell times will be adjusted accordingly.
The Dry Fog process is compatible with electronics. Equipment can remain powered-on during service. A third party study (“Evaluation of a Dry Fogging System for Laboratory Decontamination”, Krishnan, et al., Public Health Agency of Canada) evaluated repeated exposure of six personal computers over a six month period. Their evaluation "showed no decline in performance or failure of any of the key subsystems…no visible damages were found on any critical parts."