Abstract: Phosphine gas is generated by agitating a reaction mixture of a metal phosphide and water with agitation air in a reaction pot of a phosphine gas generator. The resulting phosphine gas is then diluted with dilution air to produce a fumigant phosphine gas which is directly delivered to a commodity for fumigation. The reaction pot does not have any rotating means such as agitators, rotors, or stirrers. The generator provides on-site generation of phosphine gas in a rapid manner improving the fumigation efficiency for a commodity, such as grain, preferably contained within a storage structures, such as a grain silo. The generator has a built in deactivation system for the unused metal phosphide and phosphine gas.

Abstract: An enzymatic antimicrobial composition comprising a haloperoxidase, a hydrogen peroxide source, a halide source, and an ammonium source, in particular an ammonium salt or an aminoalcohol, in which there is a hitherto unknown synergistic effect between the halide and the ammonium source.

Abstract: A heat sterilization process for small, washed, and bagged articles such as vial stoppers includes a conditioning or air removal phase prior to sterilization. During the air removal phase, a substantial majority of the liquid moisture is removed from the bagged articles by introducing brief periods of dry, warm air to the autoclave chamber. The air is introduced in short bursts at the point of greatest vacuum while pressure pulsing the chamber during the air removal phase. The air is heated and injected into the chamber through a supply valve which is rapidly opened and closed while the chamber is maintained within a preselected vacuum range between the pressure pulses. The result is a greatly reduced time for a complete sterilization and drying process.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system (26) for an automated processor (A) delivers washing, microbial decontaminant, and rinse fluids to spray nozzles (102, 104, 106, 108, 110) in a chamber (12) for sequentially spraying the fluids over a lumened device (B), such as an endoscope. Sets of nozzles are operated in sequence to avoid the spray jets canceling each other out. The endoscope is supported on a rack (21) which is agitated by an activation system (330). This ensures ever changing points of contact between the device and the rack so that all external surfaces are contacted by the spray. A computer control system (80) controls cleaning, decontamination, rinsing, and drying stages of a cycle, and agitation of the rack at appropriate times, which are all carried out within the chamber, obviating the need for human contact with the device during processing.

Abstract: A sterilization system uses a sterilization process monitoring device which is capable of indicating the efficacy of the sterilization process. To enhance accuracy of the monitoring function, the monitoring device is located in such a fashion that an antimicrobial agent used in the process can only reach the monitor through an area containing the article to be sterilized.

Abstract: Bone such as cortical or cancellous bone or connective tissue are centrifuged as a solution is applied to the tissue in a continuous process. The centrifuge creates forces, which cause the flowing solution to penetrate substantially all of the cavities of the tissue. The solution, which may be alcohol, a detergent, an oxidizer, or a surfactant, with or without water, flushes the cavities of the tissue and removes and inactivates viral and bacterial contaminants. In a second embodiment, bone or connective tissue is centrifuged in a batch process to remove contaminants from cavities in the tissue by first spinning the tissue dry and then submerging the tissue in a viral/bacteria cleansing solution and centrifuging the submerged tissue and solution at a sufficiently high speed and radius from the spin axis to create substantially high G forces on the tissue and solution to force the solution into and through the tissue cavities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inhibiting the growth of killing algae, bacteria, yeast and/or fungi in a recirculating water system which comprises adding to the water a polymeric biguanide and an adjuvant of the Formula (1) or a salt thereof: wherein: R1 is an optionally substituted C8 to C12 or C18 to C22 alkyl group; and R2 and R3 each independently is H or optionally substituted C1-4-alkyl.

Abstract: Containers which are ready to be filled or a package material having a plastic surface can be sterilized by hydrogen peroxide in gaseous phase being supplied to the previously heated plastic surface, the entire sterilization procedure being performed with the hydrogen peroxide in gaseous phase.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing the inside of an article such as a PET bottle comprises a hot air supplying device (14) for supplying hot air to the inside of an article (1), and a mist generating device (33) for producing mists of a sterilizing agent. By mixing the mists produced by the mist generating device with the hot air supplied by the hot air supplying device and introducing the same to the inside of the article, the sterilizing agent mists can be introduced evenly to every corner in the inside of the article so as to obtain an even sterilizing effect. Furthermore, the sterilizing apparatus comprises an air rinsing device (56) for discharging the air including the mists inside the article by blowing in the sterilized air to the inside of the article, and a washing device (57) for supplying a washing agent to the inside of the article.

Abstract: Use of a composition which contains 1-(2-ethylhexyl)-glycerol ether for the disinfection of the surface of an article at a temperature above 25° C.

Abstract: Use of a composition which contains (a) one or more 1- or 2-(C3 to C24-alkyl)glycerol ethers and (b) one or more aromatic alcohols for the disinfection of the surface of an article at a temperature above 25° C.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the ability of a biomaterial to sorb cationic antimicrobials comprising treating the surface of said biomaterial with a cationic polysaccharide.

Abstract: A process for disinfecting an area such as a building or mail processing system including the steps of connecting a sealed area with a disinfecting system capable of generating ozone, and circulating air including ozone within the sealed area and the system for a desired time. By selecting the concentration of ozone and time period to kill spores, while minimizing damage to materials from the ozone, one is able to decontaminate the building rapidly and inexpensively. The process may further include the step of illuminating interior spaces and/or the air circulated from the area with ultraviolet light, and/or the step of adjusting the relative humidity to a desired level. A system for disinfecting an area includes a generator for generating ozone, a detector for measuring the concentration of ozone, and a regulator for controlling the generator, wherein a disinfecting concentration of ozone can be achieved and maintained within the area.

Abstract: An acidic aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is provided with improved disinfectant activity. Concentrated solutions preferably contain up to about 8 wt./wt. % H2O2 and as-used concentrations contain about 0.5% wt./wt. % H2O2. The solution also contains from 0.05 to 8.0 wt./wt. % of at least one phosphorous-based acid, e.g. phosphoric acid and/or a phosphonic acid with from 1 to 5 phosphonic acid groups, and from 0.02 to 5 wt./wt. % of at least one anionic surfactant. The surfactant is selected from C8 to C16 alkyl aryl sulfonic acids, sulfonated C12 to C22 carboxylic acids, C8 to C22 alkyl diphenyl oxide sulfonic acids, naphthalene sulfonic acids, C8 to C22 alkyl sulfonic acids, and alkali metal and ammonium salts thereof, and alkali metal C8 to C18 alkyl sulfates, and mixtures thereof. Most preferably the solution has an emulsifier and/or hydrotrope, e.g. an alkylated sulfonated diphenyl oxide salt, an alkyl aryl polyoxyethylene surfactant, and/or a polyoxyethylene surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions for controlling plant pests, containing the compound of the formula (I) and at least one fungicidally active compound, except for tebuconazole, cyclopropylcarboxamides and azolylmethylcycloalkanes.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of decontaminating a structure contaminated by pathogenic microorganisms such as bacillus anthracis and its spores, B. subtilis var niger and its spores, and B. stearothermophilus and its spores, comprising the steps of sealing a contaminated structure sufficiently to enable retention of a gas, introducing methyl bromide gas into sealed contaminated structure to a concentration of methyl bromide in an amount sufficient to deactivate said pathogenic microorganisms and disable germination of pathogenic bacteria spores, and maintaining said sealed contaminated structure with said concentration of methyl bromide at a sufficient temperature for a sufficient period of time, and deactivating said pathogenic microorganisms and disabling germination of said pathogenic bacteria spores associated with said contaminated structure. The method is performed approximately in the range of 20° C. to 40° C.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a hemodialysis system after completion of dialysis, characterized in that ozone water produced by an apparatus for producing high concentration ozone water 5 and having an average ozone concentration of not less than 15 ppm is sequentially guided to dialysate pipes of a hemodialysis system 4 after completion of dialysis including a water supply tube for dialyzing water 40, a water supply tube for dialysate 41 and a water drainage tube for dialysate 42; and ozone water having an average ozone concentration of not less than 2 ppm is drained from the water drainage tube 42. It is possible to prevent carbonates, proteins, biofilms and the like from adhering so that cleaning with excellent sterilizing property can be realized.

Abstract: Der-f and/or Der-p dust mite allergens are deactivated by an amount of one or more of the following deactivants: i) cedarwood oil, ii) hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, iii) aluminium chlorohydrate, iv) 1-propoxy-propanol-2, v) polyquaternium-10 vi) silica gel, vii) propylene glycol alginate, viii) ammonium sulphate, ix) hinokitiol, x) L-ascorbic acid, xi) immobilised tannic acid, xii) chlorohexidine, xiii) maleic anhydride, xiv) hinoki oil, xv) a composite of AgCl and TiO2, xvi) diazolidinyl urea, xvii) 6-isopropyl-m-cresol, xviii) a compound of formula I xix) the compound of formula II xx) a polymeric dialdehyde containing two or more of a recurring unit of the formula III where n=2 to 200, xxi) urea, xxii) cyclodextrin, xxiii) hydrogenated hop oil, xxiv) polyvinylpyrrolidone, xxv) N-methylpyrrolidone, xxvi) the sodium salt of anthraquinone, xxvii) potassium thioglycolate, and xxviii) glutaraldehyde.

Abstract: An automatic, continuous sterilization system is for use in a form, fill and seal packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing packages. The machine has a turret carrying a plurality of mandrels on which the packages are carried. A bottom panel heating station has a reciprocating bottom panel heater. The sterilization system includes a sterilant source for supplying a sterilant and a sterilant inlet at the bottom panel heater. Packages are positioned on one of the plurality of mandrels and are indexed to the bottom panel heater. The sterilant is introduced to the mandrel when the carton is positioned thereon. Introduction of the sterilant provides a log reduction of microbial colony forming units of at least about 5.9 after ten minutes of machine operation. A method for continuous mandrel sterilization is also disclosed.

Abstract: Water treatment systems or assemblies are normally tested after construction, at least for leaks, prior to shipping or storage. Pressure testing with a gas is hazardous, so testing with water is a standard method. After testing, the water is displaced from the system by draining or gas phase flushing. It is nearly impossible to remove all of the water from the system or assembly. This remaining water provides an environment for biological growth which contaminates the system or assembly over time. The purpose of this invention is to eliminate or minimize this biological contamination by adding a biocidal agent to the system or assembly before sealing it for shipment or storage.

Abstract: A device and method for cleaning and sterilizing tubular structures particularly, long, narrow tubular structures such as lumens of a medical device such as an endoscope by reversing the flow of fluid in interconnected tubular structures. The device comprises a first and second valve in fluid communication with a first and second tubular structure. The valves selectively switch between a first and second position causing a first and second flow path within the tubular structures, at least a part of the second flow path opposite the first flow path.

Abstract: A method for sanitizing water circuits (1) of dental units (100) comprising dental handpieces (2) and a water circuit (1) for supplying fluid from a main supply (4) through corresponding circuit legs or branches (1a, 1b, 1c, 1s), the method comprising at least the following steps: introducing the disinfectant/sterilizing liquid in the water circuit (1) for a predetermined length of time and draining the disinfectant/sterilizing liquid out of the circuit through the circuit legs or branches (1a, 1b, 1c, 1s). The step of introducing the disinfectant/sterilizing liquid is divided into two or more sub-steps, each consisting of an inflow of a predetermined quantity or dose of the disinfectant/sterilizing liquid, alternated with steps of waiting for the next inflow.

Abstract: When microbial contamination is introduced into a room (20*) of an enclosure, such as a building, an HVAC system including supply ductwork (16) and a return ductwork (34) is decontaminated with hydrogen peroxide vapor. A decontamination controller (46) operates controllable baffles (22) at outlet registers (20), temporary controllable baffles (44) at inlet registers (30), and a blower system (10) to circulate hydrogen peroxide vapor from hydrogen peroxide vapor generators (42) through the ductwork in both forward and reverse directions. Further, at least portions of the baffles are closed to create dwell times in which the hydrogen peroxide vapor resides in the ductwork with minimal or turbulent flow.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing/disinfecting the water circuit (1) of a dental unit (100) at least comprising medical instruments, such as dental handpieces (2), and a water circuit (1) for supplying a fluid from a main supply (3) through corresponding circuit legs or branches (1a, 1b, 1c, 1s); the method comprising at least the following steps: introducing the disinfectant/sterilizing liquid in the water circuit (1) for a predetermined length of time and draining the disinfectant/sterilizing liquid out of the circuit (1) through the circuit legs or branches (1a, 1b, 1c, 1s). The step of introducing the disinfectant/sterilizing liquid is accompanied by a step of heating the liquid to a predetermined temperature higher than ambient temperature, using suitable means (4).

Abstract: Methods and devices for determining the efficacy of a cleaning, disinfecting, or sterilizing process intended to remove biofilms are provided. The devices involve a biofilm sample, a biofilm indicator, and a simulated endoscope.

Abstract: A container (30) for use in sterilizing an object has a first end (35) and a second end (38). The container (30) is suitably sized to receive an endoscopic telescope (45) for sterilization. Once the endoscopic telescope (45) has been inserted into the container (30), a lid (46) having a vapour permeable section (47) is fitted to the container. The container and object are then sterilized, for example, by autoclaving. After sterilization, use of the container requires a noon-sterile nurse in an operating theatre to push the ends (35, 38) together. A collapsible or deformable portion (42) collapses and the ends (35, 38) move closer together to thereby force the telescope (45) out of the container (30), where is can be removed by a sterile nurse.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for significantly reducing the biological load on consumer products such as food products, botanicals, cosmetic ingredients and medical products is disclosed. The method involves applying a continuous stream of oxygen-containing, i.e., Ox, gas to a material in a sealed biological burden reduction chamber. The continuous stream of Ox gas is prepared in an Ox generation cell, which contains a means for generating the Ox gas at a pressure less than 20 lbs/in2 using, for example, one or more of the following: corona discharge, high frequency electrical discharge, ultraviolet light, x-ray, radioactive isotope and electric beam.

Abstract: There is provided an improved sterilization wrap and a method for using the improved sterilization wrap to sterilize an article. The wrap is made of a first and second sheets of sterilization material. Each sheet has first, second, third and fourth edges. Each sheet includes a central portion. The first edge of the first sheet is in register with and bonded to the first edge of the second sheet; the second edge of the first sheet is in register with and bonded to the second edge of the second sheet; the third edge of the first sheet is in register with and bonded to the third edge of the second sheet; and the fourth edge of the first sheet is in register with and bonded to the fourth edge of the second sheet. The central portions of the first and second sheets are substantially not bonded together. Thus, two layers of sterilization material is provided for an article to be sterilized.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen peroxide indicator that includes a substrate on which is disposed an indicator composition that includes at least one of a select group of colorants. As a result of contact with hydrogen peroxide, the colorants change color, and even become colorless, thereby providing an indication of the presence of hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A method of disinfecting a contact lens is provided, including the steps of preparing a disinfecting liquid which contains water-dispersible fine particles of a titanium oxide dispersed in an aqueous medium, immersing the contact lens in the disinfecting liquid; and irradiating the disinfecting liquid in which the contact lens is immersed, with a light.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for hydrogen peroxide plasma sterilization, wherein the chamber temperature is set at less than 39° C. throughout, and containers with temperature-sensitive products can be efficiently sterilized without the temperature-sensitive products showing a significant loss of activity or degradation.

Abstract: A floating device for dispersing a solute-containing solution comprised of a floatation cap in communication with a telescoping assembly having a sleeve for controlling the dispersion of the solute-containing solution is herein provided, as well as associated methods of use.

Abstract: A method of deactivating chemical contaminants and biological agents from a target surface by and aerosol spraying the target surface with an electrostatically charged, photosensitizer solution, and then illuminating the surface with ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A water treating system utilizes antimicrobial sand filter for killing bacteria and preventing microbial growth. Said antimicrobial sand filter consists of organic quaternary ammonium salt and inorganic metal compound.

Abstract: A device for treating a liquid effluent such as pig slurry containing significant quantities of nitrogen and phosphorus, the device including a mixing reactor for contacting the liquid effluent with the basic reagent, provided with an intake for said effluent and another intake for the basic reagent; an ammonia-extracting reactor, connected to the mixing reactor, and a tank for storing the treated liquid effluent derived from the ammonia-extracting reactor.

Abstract: A device and method for cleaning and sterilizing tubular structures particularly, long, narrow tubular structures such as lumens of a medical device such as an endoscope by reversing the flow of fluid in interconnected tubular structures. The device comprises a first and second valve in fluid communication with a first and second tubular structure. The valves selectively switch between a first and second position causing a first and second flow path within the tubular structures, at least a part of the second flow path opposite the first flow path.

Abstract: A solid detergent dispenser for use with a dishwashing machine includes a chamber and a lid. The chamber is configured and arranged to receive a solid detergent having a particular composition. A water inlet receives water from a water source, and the water flows through a tunnel into the bottom of the chamber. The chamber is flooded with water from the bottom to ensure relatively constant erosion of the solid detergent, which ensures that a relatively constant concentration of the solid detergent is used in the dishwashing machine. A water outlet allows water to flow out of the chamber into the dishwashing machine. The water must flow into the chamber faster than it flows out of the chamber to ensure that the appropriate amount of dissolution of the solid detergent occurs. The only valve used in the preferred embodiment is a valve to control the amount of water flowing into the water inlet.

Abstract: An electrically activatable fumigating device, methods of using it, and methods of constructing the device, are disclosed. The device is adapted to be plugged into a wall outlet. It is provided with a resistance heater that is housed in a lower recess of a heating cup by crimping edges of the recess around the heater. The cup focuses the heat of the heater adjacent the bottom of the cup. A eutectic thermal cut-off operates as a primary means of energy cut-off. The resistance heater is also designed to fail after a specified heating period as a redundant means of cut-off.

Abstract: A method for removing biofilm from, and/or for preventing biofilm from forming on, an interior surface of a conduit that receives a supply of water, is performed by disabling the supply of water to the conduit, and passing an ozone-containing gas to the conduit. The ozone-containing gas can be generated from an oxygen-containing gas that is exposed to either a corona discharge or ultraviolet radiation. In an alternate embodiment, the water is disinfected by the ultraviolet radiation. The invention is especially suited for use with dental equipment.

Abstract: An agent for the treatment of medical instruments is provided which is obtainable by the artificial UV irradiation of an aqueous solution containing a chemical disinfectant, optionally together with corrosion inhibitors, buffer components, complexing agents, wetting agents and/or other auxiliary substances or active substances.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric treated with an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant solution results in a heterogeneous system having antibacterial activity when in contact with an aqueous source of bacteria. The antibacterial activity imparted to the nonwoven fabric renders the nonwoven fabric useful in a wide variety of absorbent products, such as personal care products and medical absorbent products, which are typically exposed to aqueous sources of bacteria. Furthermore, the alkyl plyglycoside surfactant is virtually non-irritating and non-sensitizing to human skin.

Abstract: A sterilization system and process is provided which is useful in the chemical sterilization of medical supplies and equipment. The system includes a container having an internal generator of a sterilant such as chlorine dioxide. An internal container activator, such as high humidity or manual manipulation, is provided and stimulates the formation and release of the sterilant. The package includes a first indicator responsive to the release of sterilant and a second indicator which records the passage of a predetermined time interval. The combination of the sterilant indicator and the time interval indicator signals that proper sterilization conditions have been met and that the objects have been suitably sterilized.

Abstract: A combination system for ozonating the air and water provided to an animal confinement house, such as a poultry house, to provide breathing air and drinking water with less viruses, bacteria and contaminants to the growing animals, such as poultry, using an air ozonation system to provide ozonated air to the animal confinement house and a water ozonation system to provide ozonated water to the animal confinement house, preferably utilizing a single ozone reactor to provide ozone to both the air ozonation system and the water ozonation system.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for treating dentures at elevated pressured to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment employs a sealed pressure containment vessel. Denture cleaning, disinfecting, deorderizing, brightening, bleaching can be performed using this apparatus and method and the effectiveness of conventional active agents in removing plaque or the biolayer on the surface of the denture can be improved. Active agents can be forced into pores, fissures and microscopic openings in dentures to remove pathogens or contaminants that cannot be reached by conventional processes. The effectiveness of conventional effervescent denture treatment tablets can also be increased.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method for the in situ generation of chlorine dioxide from a solution of sodium chlorite and carbon dioxide. The present invention produces effective levels of chlorine dioxide without having to resort to the use of hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine, sulfur dioxide, or methanol. By eliminating the use of toxic and/or hazardous compounds, the present invention provides a safer means for generating and using chlorine dioxide in a wider variety of applications than previously possible. For instance, the present invention can easily be adapted for the treatment of combustion exhaust gases, flue gases, cooling towers, chilled water systems, contaminated groundwater, and agricultural produce or products.

Abstract: A process for sanitizing a fabric article which is contaminated with one or more microbials. The process steps include: (a) placing the fabric article in a vapor venting bag together with a cleaning/refreshing composition comprising water; and (b) subjecting the vapor venting bag to a heat source which supplies sufficient heat to vaporize the water, thereby exposing the microbials to the resulting water vapor. This process results in at least about 50% of the microbials being killed. The cleaning/refreshing composition preferably comprises at least one antimicrobial agent selected from the group consisting of 5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol, trichlorocarbanalide, hydrogen peroxide, other oxygen bleaches, 4-chloro-3,5-dimethylphenol, iodine/iodophors, chlorhexidine, phenols, phospholipids, thymol, eugeniol, geraniol, oil of lemon grass, limonene and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition having biological activity. The composition includes from about 10 ppm to about 5000 parts iodonium salt. The composition also includes from about 100 ppm to about 300,000 ppm of a compound to act as a carrier of the iodonium compound. The carrier is selected from at least one of polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl acetates, polyethylene glycols, ethylene glycol and propylene glycol block copolymers, cellulosic polymers, polyesters, alkyd polymers. The composition also includes from about 50 ppm to about 50,000 ppm of a compound to render the composition compatible with a surface being treated. This component is selected from at least one of di-acids, acid anhydrides, polyfunctional acids, di-ethylene glycol, resorcinol and the like. The composition also includes an appropriate vehicle selected from at least one of water, acidified water, paint, primer, and petroleum distillates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mixture and method for remediating air dispersed biological particles. The mixture contains a carrier, an active biocidal ingredient, and a deliquescent which are mixed, heated and then grinded into biocidal particles approximately 1-50 microns in size. The biocidal particles are then dispersed into the air infected with biological particles using an aerosol generator and similar device. The biocidal particles may be charged to attract the biological particles and the carrier assists in attaching to the biological particles. Upon exposure to ambient humidity the deliquescent dissolves and allows the active biocidal ingredient to react creating a chemical byproduct which attacks and remediates the biological particles. The present invention may utilize two mixtures with two separate active biocidal ingredients which react with one another to create the desired chemical byproduct such as chlorine dioxide. The chemical byproduct may be hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plasma treatment module-equipped sterilization apparatus which can easily sterilize thin, long lumens without the aid of boosters. The sterilization apparatus comprises a sterilization chamber (10) for receiving therein sterilization objects. Interconnected with the sterilization chamber (10), a sterilizing agent feeding line (20) is provided, comprising a hydrogen peroxide solution (21) acting as a sterilizing agent, an injection heater (22) for vaporizing the sterilizing agent (21) by heating, and a mass flow controller (23) for controlling the injection amount of the vaporized hydrogen peroxide. A vacuum pump (14), connected to the sterilization chamber (10) via an exhaust line (13), is installed for exhausting air from the sterilization chamber (10) to form a vacuum state. A plasma treatment module (31) is provided on the exhaust line (13) to treat the hydrogen peroxide vapor exhausted from the sterilization chamber with plasma.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for neutralizing airborne pathogens in ventilated air, and in heating or air conditioning systems. The pathogen neutralization system is effective against a wide spectrum of pathogens, it incorporates commercially available components, and it can be readily integrated into commercial HVAC systems where it neutralizes airborne pathogens in large volumes of ventilated air in real time without any chemical reagents. Typically, the system has a flow-through reaction chamber that contains a UV light source that emits short intense flashes of broad-spectrum UV light, a source of water vapor or spray, and an ozone generator. The system generates highly reactive ozone intermediates by irradiating ozone gas with UV light in the presence of water droplets or water vapor. The pathogens that can be neutralized by this system include bacteria, viruses, spores, fungi and parasites.