Engineering Problems in the Use of Glycol Vapors for Air Sterilization

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Abstract
Glycol vapor, when delivered into the space of an exptl. room by either of 2 effective means of generation of the vapor, atomization and boiling of water solns., had little or no tendency to stratify, diffused readily through the space and, if air exchanges to outside spaces were kept to a minimum, decreased in conc. at a slow rate. There was evidence of a slight amt. of absorption on room surfaces. As yet no conclusions can be drawn as to whether bactericidal concs. of glycol in the air of living spaces will significantly affect the incidence of cross-infections of airborne disease. Other factors, such as the amt. of dust in the air, the proximity of one person to another and the virulence of the infecting agent, all play a role in cross-infection. However, one would expect that the presence of a "bactericidal curtain" surrounding each individual would reduce the possibility of that individual transmitting or receiving virulent organisms. Final conclusions must depend upon adequate and well controlled field trials which are now being organized.