Surface-decontaminating action of glutaraldehyde in the gas-aerosol phase

Abstract

The surface disinfectant effect of glutaraldehyde in the gas aerosol phase was investigated at different relative humidities and temperatures. At a gas-aerosol concentration of 15 to 20 mg/m3 and a relative humidity of about 80%, glutaraldehyde had a good disinfectant effect against both vegetative bacteria (decimal reduction time, <5 min) and bacterial spores (decimal reduction time, <45 min). In spite of its low volatility, glutaraldehyde was more effective than formaldehyde when the 2 substances were compared on an 'added amount' basis.