Hydrogen Peroxide Vapour: A Comprehensive Guide

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has been a cornerstone in the realm of decontamination for decades. Its effectiveness and versatility have made it a vital tool in both healthcare and life sciences. But what makes it so essential? How does it work? This blog delves into the history, mechanism, and applications of hydrogen peroxide vapour (HPV), providing a foundational understanding for those in infection control and laboratory environments.

What is Hydrogen Peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide (HP) was first synthesized in 1818 by the French chemist Louis Jacques Thénard¹. Initially, hydrogen peroxide was recognised for its unique chemical properties, including its potent oxidising ability, which laid the groundwork for its future use as a disinfectant. The use of HP in vapour form only began in the late 1970s, initially for sterilising reusable medical devices. It is now widely used to decontaminate whole rooms due to its effectiveness in achieving high levels of microbial reduction and its ability to reach complex areas.

Chemically, hydrogen peroxide is a simple compound composed of two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms (H2O2)² . When hydrogen peroxide comes into contact with organic material, it breaks down into water (H2O) and oxygen (O2). This produces free radicals which damage cell membranes and DNA. This oxidative damage is lethal to bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, making hydrogen peroxide an effective broad-spectrum disinfectant³.

Hydrogen Peroxide in Vapour Form

There are various technologies employed to generate and disperse hydrogen peroxide vapour effectively. These take the form of automated, no-touch technologies. Here, we explore the common methods for room decontamination:

• Flash Heat Technology:

This technology utilises hotplates that reach very high temperatures to vaporise the 30-35% hydrogen peroxide solution. The solution is placed onto these hotplates, where it rapidly heats up and converts into vapour, which is then dispersed into the treatment area, typically using separate aeration units.

• Ultrasonic Technology:

Ultrasonic technology is a process that uses high frequency ultrasonic sound waves to create tiny, mobile particles of hydrogen peroxide which the built-in fans disperse into the entire treatment space using randomised air flow patterns. High efficacy is achieved with low concentration (7.5% hydrogen peroxide solution) due to the method of dispersion, which increases the concentration of hydrogen peroxide.

Where is HPV used?

Hydrogen peroxide vapour is used across a wide range of applications in both healthcare and life sciences:

• HPV is employed in acute hospitals for the decontamination of patient rooms, surgical suites, and medical equipment. It ensures the eradication of pathogens, reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
• In laboratories and pharmaceutical manufacturing, HPV is used to maintain sterile environments, whether that’s managing a contaminant or switching between projects. Common applications include the decontamination of cleanrooms, biosafety cabinets, isolators and production areas, ensuring that research and production processes are free from microbial contamination.

Benefits of Hydrogen Peroxide Vapour

Hydrogen peroxide vapour offers several significant advantages over other types of decontamination:

• Broad-Spectrum Efficacy: Effective against a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.
• Residue Free: Breaks down into water and oxygen, leaving no residues following a process.
• Penetration and Coverage: Ensures thorough decontamination of all areas, including hard-to-reach spaces.
• Automated and Controlled Process: Minimises human error and maximises efficiency.

ProXcide HPV System

ProXcide® System has patented technology which provides a unique decontamination process that adapts to every room’s requirement and guarantees log-6 kill on every surface, every time. This is validated with an automated digital report, emailed to nominated personnel.

Processes take just over two hours on average including deactivation time. ProXcide® System’s combined patents in Ultrasonic Vaporisation Technology and Randomised Air Flow Patterns deliver the best outcomes for decontamination. For GMP environments, or where otherwise required, validated bespoke cycles can be provided. Processes can be validated with Geobacillus Stearothermophilus biological indicators (BI’s) or with a client’s preferred target organism.

Conclusion

Understanding the history, composition, and benefits of hydrogen peroxide vapour is essential for those involved in infection control and laboratory decontamination. As a powerful oxidiser, HPV provides comprehensive and efficient decontamination, ensuring the safety and sterility of critical environments. With advanced systems like ProXcide®, Inivos continues to lead the way in providing world-class decontamination solutions.

References:

1. Koppenol, W. H., & Sies, H. (2018). Two centuries since discovery of dawn-of-life molecule. Nature, 559(7713), 181. https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-018-05674-0

2. Bashyal, J. (2023, May 23). Hydrogen peroxide: structure, properties, preparation, uses. Science Info. https://scienceinfo.com/hydrogen-peroxide-structure-properties/

3. Samanta, C. (2008). Direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide from hydrogen and oxygen: An overview of recent developments in the process. Applied Catalysis. A, General, 350(2), 133–149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcata.2008.07.043