Abstract: The invention provides a produce decontamination apparatus comprising a chamber 10 for accepting produce to be decontaminated and/or sterilized, and means for producing a free radical saturated atmosphere within the chamber 10 so that, in use, the free radical saturated atmosphere decontaminates and/or sterilizes the produce. Preferably, the means for producing a free radical saturated atmosphere comprises one or more first atomizing sprayheads 30a, a supply 32 of ozonized liquid which is supplied to the first sprayheads 30a, and means for breaking down the ozone forming part of the ozonized liquid once discharged from the first sprayheads 30a. Preferably, the means for breaking down the ozone is in the form of one or more UV light emitting devices 48,50. Produce decontaminated using the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An ozone generator cartridge 60 suitable for a sterilisation, decontamination and/or sanitation device. The cartridge comprises a sealable housing 60 for providing a corona discharge, the housing containing at least one power supply unit 64 and at least one inlet 65 for connection to an oxygen or air supply, the cartridge including at least part of at least one ozone conversion cell 63 attached to and extending from an external surface of a wall of the sealed housing, the conversion cell extending into a delivery conduit 52 of a decontamination device that leads to at least one discharge outlet 16.

Abstract: A sterilisation, sanitisation and/or decontamination device 1 comprising at least a humidifier unit, an ozone generator unit 60, at least one discharge outlet 16 and a controller for controlling the humidifier and ozone generator units, the at least one discharge outlet 16 comprising at least two at least partially converging plates 72, 74 between which substances are discharged.

Abstract: A sterilisation, sanitisation and/or decontamination device (1) comprising a main body (10) and a detachable control panel, preferably in the form of a lectern (12), the main body having a discharge outlet (16) and containing a humidifier unit, an ozone discharge unit and a controller for controlling the humidifier and ozone discharge units, the detachable control panel including a user interface (40) for wireless remote control of the controller.

Abstract: A method of sterilisation, decontamination and/or sanitation of an enclosed environment, the method comprising the steps of measuring the temperature of an enclosed environment to be treated; calculating the relative humidity required to provide a desired partial pressure at the measured temperature, the actual desired partial pressure required being based on a predetermined optimum partial pressure at a base temperature corresponding to an optimum operating temperature for that environment; introducing a predetermined quantity of water to the environment to provide the calculated relative humidity for the measured temperature; discharging ozone into the humidified environment; maintaining the ozone level at a concentration that will achieve the required degree of decontamination, sterilisation and/or sanitation of the humid environment; and reducing the ozone level to an acceptable safe exposure level.

Abstract: A method of sterilization and decontamination comprises the steps of producing a humidified environment having a relative humidity which is higher than ambient humidity; discharging ozone into the humidified environment; and then introducing an aromatic hydrocarbon into the humidified environment to preferentially react with the discharged ozone to form hydroxyl radicals. Apparatus is also provided for use with the method.