IN THE LOOP
Chemical Pneumonia:
Formalin
A Life Hazardvs. Hydrogen Peroxide
Decontamination
Decontamination is the process of removing contaminants such as microorganisms from an area and
making objects safe to handle. This is a necessary treatment for cleanrooms and laboratory areas in
maintaining a high level of cleanliness and microbial control. All infectious materials and equipment
must be decontaminated before leaving the area to remove any contamination it may have adhered to.
Decontamination should be performed periodically and certain procedures make use of disinfectants
capable of killing the target contaminants. Formalin (CH2O) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are common
disinfectants used for cleanroom and laboratory applications.
FORMALIN DECONTAMINATION
Formaldehyde is a well-known fumigant and is usually associated with containment laboratories and
biosafety cabinets. It is a naturally occurring organic gas and a common option for decontaminating
safety cabinets. Its solid polymeric form is called paraformaldehyde, while its aqueous form is referred
to as formalin.
Formalin decontamination is done by vaporizing 37% formalin solution or depolymerization of paraformaldehyde to form formalin gas
with a concentration of > 8000 ppm. The general procedures for decontaminating a biosafety cabinet are as follows:
1. Set up and airtight seal the cabinet 5. Allow enough contact time for ammonia to neutralize formalin
2. Formalin vaporization 6. Exhaust the ammonia residue
3. Allow ample contact time with vaporized formalin 7. Teardown and clean the substantial residue in the cabinet
4. Ammonia vaporization to neutralize formalin
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE DECONTAMINATION
Hydrogen peroxide is another effective disinfectant. It is a colorless liquid and a strong oxidizing agent
at standard conditions. When vaporized, hydrogen peroxide is compatible with various materials, has
a rapid antimicrobial efficacy, and lower safety concerns compared to formaldehyde.
Hydrogen peroxide decontamination is done by flash vaporization of an aqueous peroxide mixture to
produce a vapor that would spread throughout the biosafety cabinet. The general process is as follows:
1. Set up and seal the cabinet to make it semi-airtight
2. Conditioning and decontamination cycle
3. Ducting out H2O2 or H2O2 generator doing aeration
Hydrogen Peroxide Decontamination
4. Teardown of Biosafety Cabinet
FORMALIN VS. HYDROGEN PEROXIDE DECONTAMINATION
FORMALIN DECONTAMINATION HYDROGEN PEROXIDE DECONTAMINATION
ADVANTAGES
• Good material compatibility • Good material compatibility
• Long history of successfully decontaminating rooms and • Broad-spectrum, rapid antimicrobial
safety cabinets • Breaks down into non-toxic substances
• Inexpensive • Non-carcinogenic and environmentally friendly
• Leaves no residue
DISADVANTAGES
• Time-consuming • Time-consuming if the cabinet is not ducted
• Efficacy varies due to inconsistent penetration • Efficacy is affected by organic and inorganic substances
• Toxic and carcinogenic • Requires expensive specialist equipment
• Strictly regulated in some countries
• Requires removal of residue at end of decontamination
Formalin decontamination is one of the oldest methods still used in some laboratories today but with
hydrogen peroxide being a safer alternative, there is a decline in the use of formalin. Although the
hydrogen peroxide decontamination process may require more expensive equipment, it is much less
time-consuming because it does not require a neutralization step. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down
into water and oxygen, saving lab personnel from being exposed to hazardous fumes and residues.
Thus, it is highly recommended that biological safety cabinets and cleanroom facilities undergo
decontamination using hydrogen peroxide due to it having far fewer health effects compared to
formalin. Esco Lifesciences offers reliable services,
scan the QR to find out more.
Reference:
[1] Sandle, T. (2017, January 25). Biodecontamination of Cleanrooms and Laboratories Using Gassing Systems. IVT Network. https://www.ivtnetwork.com/article/biodecontamination-cleanrooms-and-laboratories-using-gassing-systems
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Esco can accept no responsibility for possible errors in catalogues, brochures and other printed materials. Esco reserves the right to alter its products and specifications without notice. All trademarks and logotypes in this material are the property of Esco and the respective companies.
