Application of Ozone in Air Disinfection in Hospitals

Application of Ozone in Air Disinfection in Hospitals

Ozone is a broad-spectrum bactericide capable of killing bacteria, spores, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms. Due to its gaseous properties, it can penetrate into every corner of room spaces, cavities of objects, or hard-to-reach areas for sterilization, leaving no toxic residues. When used for air disinfection in operating rooms and wards, high-concentration ozone (20 mg/m³) typically acts for 30 minutes, achieving a killing rate of over 90% against natural bacteria, and exceeding 99% against Staphylococcus aureus, spores, and other pathogens.

The primary environmental factors affecting ozone's bactericidal efficacy are temperature and humidity. Generally, low temperatures and high humidity yield better disinfection results, with humidity being particularly critical. When relative humidity (RH) is ≤45%, ozone has almost no effect on suspended microorganisms in the air; only when RH exceeds 70% does its disinfection efficacy truly manifest. This is because increased humidity causes cell swelling and thinning of the cell wall, making microorganisms more susceptible to penetration and dissolution by ozone. Additionally, medical devices can be sterilized using ozone disinfection cabinets.

Ozone leaves no residues on disinfected items (e.g., utensils, surgical instruments), eliminating the need for post-disinfection cleaning or soaking. It also has minimal impact on the physical and chemical properties of original items. Furthermore, ozone disinfection is performed under normal temperature and humidity conditions, making it simpler and faster than high-temperature, high-pressure sterilization procedures.