Re----Sterilizing versus Decontamination

[Guest guest]

The latest textbook on the subject ( by Murray et al, 2002 ) states that there are several good disinfectants with germicidal properties, ie isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine, formaldehyde and gluteraldehyde that kill bacteria and mold at varying concentrations for each, ie about 80% of rubbing alcohol but only 2% for gluteraldehyde, ........

But remember, hydrogen peroxide takes the color out of some items and gluteraldehyde and formaldehyde are both highly toxic and I have had many lawsuits as an expert witness with those biocides.

But, to sterilize items to kill mold, bacteria and bacterial spores, you need a sterilizing agent, ie UV, or chlorine dioxide gas, or ethylene oxide or formaldehyde or peracetic acid, etc. Chlorine has not been shown to be effective against Stachybotrys spores. Rubbing alcohol is effective against some fungi, but have no activity against bacterial spores. Bleach is a good germicide, but it depends on the organic matter and pH of the items being disinfected, ie alkaline detergents high organic matter reduces the effectiveness of chlorine as a germicide.

Dr. L. Lipsey

Professor and Toxicologist

University of North Florida

U. of Florida Med. Ctr, Jax

Poison Control Center Board

CV--Toxicology And Environmental Health Assoc.

[Guest guest]

Considering the fact that dead mold is no safer than live mold, the

mold needs to be removed, not just killed. And -- change the

enviornmental conditions so future opportunistic organisms won't

amplify and cause the problem all over again.

Carl E Grimes

Healthy Habitats (sm)

grimes@...

--------

> The latest textbook on the subject ( by Murray et al, 2002 ) states

> that

> there are several good disinfectants with germicidal properties, ie

> isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine, formaldehyde and

> gluteraldehyde that kill bacteria and mold at varying concentrations

> for each, ie about 80% of rubbing alcohol but only 2% for

> gluteraldehyde, ........

>

> But remember, hydrogen peroxide takes the color out of some

> items and

> gluteraldehyde and formaldehyde are both highly toxic and I have had

> many lawsuits as an expert witness with those biocides.

>

> But, to sterilize items to kill mold, bacteria and bacterial

> spores, you

> need a sterilizing agent, ie UV, or chlorine dioxide gas, or ethylene

> oxide or formaldehyde or peracetic acid, etc. Chlorine has not been

> shown to be effective against Stachybotrys spores. Rubbing alcohol is

> effective against some fungi, but have no activity against bacterial

> spores. Bleach is a good germicide, but it depends on the organic

> matter and pH of the items being disinfected, ie alkaline detergents

> high organic matter reduces the effectiveness of chlorine as a

> germicide.

>

> Dr. L. Lipsey

> Professor and Toxicologist

> University of North Florida

> U. of Florida Med. Ctr, Jax

> Poison Control Center Board

> <A HREF= " http://www.richardlipsey.com/ " >CV--Toxicology And

> Environmental Health Assoc.</A>

>