title: Surface disinfection: evaluation of the efficacy of a nebulization system spraying hydrogen peroxide.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The study assessed the efficacy of a system of nebulization of a hydrogen peroxide-based solution for surface disinfection.
  
  
  METHODS
  Different concentrations (1, 2 and 4 ml/m3) of the same disinfectant solution (active principle: hydrogen peroxide) were nebulized inside a 50 m3 experimental environment. Sampling was carried out on both horizontal and vertical surfaces, and the total bacterial load at 37 degrees C was determined by means of direct contact with Rodac plates. The disinfection efficacy of the system was evaluated by comparing the total bacterial load measured on the surfaces before and after treatment. Statistical analysis was performed by means of Stata/SE9 software.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The percentage reduction in the mean bacterial load on horizontal surfaces as a result of treatment at concentrations of 1, 2 and 4 ml/m3 proved to be 54.9%, 70.9% and 86.9%, respectively. With regard to vertical surfaces, the percentage reduction was 100% in all experimental conditions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The system tested proved to be efficacious in disinfecting surfaces inside environments of 50 m3 in volume. It could therefore be used to disinfect surfaces in hospital and community settings. In healthcare facilities, disinfection by means of nebulization systems could help to reduce the risk of spreading nosocomial infections.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, DISSAL, Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Orlando
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Cristina
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dallera
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ottria
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vitale
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Badolati
mesh_terms: D000336:Aerosols; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D004202:Disinfectants; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers
chemical_list: D000336:Aerosols; D004202:Disinfectants; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide