Abstract: A composition which is capable of releasing sulphur dioxide in the presence of water over an extended period contains a sulphur dioxide-liberating compound and hydroquinone. The composition may also contain thio urea and/or a phosphate buffer. The compositions are used to sterilize soiled articles, such as surgical and sanitary dressings, which have been placed in temporary disposal units prior to permanent disposal.

Abstract: Watersoluble terpolymers based on three monomer units all of formula: ##STR1## (or possibly the 5-membered ring analogue) wherein the N-substituents are respectively (A) low-low e.g. dimethyl (B) low-medium e.g. methyloctyl and (C) low-higher e.g. methyllauryl or methylcetyl, in molecular size; B:C being usually 5:1 to 0.333:1 (perferably 2:1 to 1:1) in weight ratio, and species less than 10,000 or preferably 20,000 m.w. usually being removed, have surprisingly effective sterilizing activity e.g. against Candida while (a) not accumulating in soft contact lenses, whereby they can be used as an overnight nonirritant aqueous sterilant solution at concentrations below 0.1 weight percent e.g. 0.05 or less and (b) not penetrating skin or like membrane whereby aqueous formulations can be used as topical disinfectants without systemic side-effects.